Paste Based Lubricating System

ABSTRACT

A system includes a processing station and a lubricant supply system in fluid communication with the processing station. The processing station is operable to process at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel to form a tire-wheel assembly. The processing station includes at least one of a tire lubricating sub-station or a wheel lubricating sub-station. The lubricant supply system includes a storage container configured to store a lubricant and a whipping device received by the lubricant container and operable to whip or blend the lubricant from a semi-solid state to a whipped state. The lubricant supply system also includes a pump operable to pump the lubricant in the whipped state out of the storage container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/297,347, filed on Jun. 5, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/832,422, filed on Jun. 7, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application 61/859,641, filed on Jul. 29, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/982,162, filed on Apr. 21, 2014, the disclosures of which are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to tire-wheel assemblies and to a system and method for assembling a tire-wheel assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

It is known in the art to assemble a tire-wheel assembly in several steps. Usually, conventional methodologies that conduct such steps require a significant capital investment and human oversight. The present invention overcomes drawbacks associated with the prior art by setting forth a simple system and method for assembling a tire-wheel assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is block diagram view of an apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is block diagram view of an apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is block diagram view of an apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a view of a lubrication conditioning system and a lubricant arranged in a first state of matter.

FIG. 2A′ is an enlarged view of the lubricant according to line 2A′ of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B is a view of the lubrication conditioning system and the lubricant of FIG. 2A arranged in a second state of matter that is different from the first state of matter after actuating the lubrication conditioning system.

FIG. 2B′ is an enlarged view of the lubricant according to line 2B′ of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a view of a lubrication conditioning system and a lubricant arranged in a first state of matter.

FIG. 3B is a view of the lubrication conditioning system and the lubricant of FIG. 3A arranged in a second state of matter that is different from the first state of matter after actuating the lubrication conditioning system.

FIG. 4A is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for directly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for directly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5D is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5E is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5F is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5G is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 4A-5G fluidly connected to a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 4A-5G fluidly connected to a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 4A-5G fluidly connected to a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 4A-5G fluidly connected to a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A′ is a view of a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B′ is a view of a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A′ is a view of a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B′ is a view of a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8A is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for directly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for directly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9C is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9D is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9E is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9F is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9G is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for indirectly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 8A-9G fluidly connected to a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 8A-9G fluidly connected to a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 8A-9G fluidly connected to a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11B is a view of any of the lubrication temperature control systems of FIGS. 8A-9G fluidly connected to a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A′ is a view of a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B′ is a view of a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A′ is a view of a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11B′ is a view of a tire lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat and a lower beat of a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a view of a lubrication temperature control system for directly heating a lubricant contained by a lubricant reservoir that is fluidly connected to a wheel lubricating sub-station for lubricating an upper beat seat and a lower beat seat of a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary graph illustrating an operating cycle of the wheel lubricating sub-station.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of a wheel including a plurality of lubricated regions performed by the lubricating sub-station.

FIG. 15 illustrates a view of an apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16A is a top view of an exemplary tire.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the tire according to line 16B-16B of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a side view of the tire of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16D is a bottom view of the tire of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a top view of an exemplary wheel; and

FIG. 17B is a side view of the wheel of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a view of a lubricant supply system including a storage container and a mixing device operable to mix a lubricant from a semi-solid state to a whipped state.

FIG. 18B is a view of a lubricant supply system including the storage container of FIG. 18A in fluid communication with a lubrication conditioning system.

FIG. 19 is a view of a lubrication conditioning system in fluid communication with a lubrication supply system and a lubricating sub-station for lubricating a wheel or a tire.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a processing station and a lubricant supply system in fluid communication with the processing station. The processing station is operable to process at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel to form a tire-wheel assembly. The processing station includes at least one of a tire lubricating sub-station or a wheel lubricating sub-station. The lubricant supply system includes a storage container configured to store a lubricant and a whipping device received by the lubricant container and operable to whip or blend the lubricant from a semi-solid state to a whipped state. The lubricant supply system also includes a pump operable to pump the lubricant in the whipped state out of the storage container.

In some implementations, the system also includes a lubrication conditioning system in fluid communication with the lubricant supply system and the processing station. In these implementations, the lubrication conditioning system includes a lubricant reservoir operable to receive the lubricant in the whipped state from the storage container; a lubricant temperature modifier arranged proximate to the lubricant reservoir; a lubricant temperature sensor arranged within the lubricant reservoir and operable to measure a temperature of the lubricant received within the lubricant reservoir; and a controller operatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier and the lubricant temperature sensor. The controller is operable to control the lubricant temperature modifier to change the temperature of the lubricant from a first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature based on the temperature of the lubricant measured by the lubricant temperature sensor.

In some examples, pump of the lubricant supply system pumps the lubricant in the whipped state out of the storage container to the lubricant reservoir of the lubrication conditioning system when the lubricant is at the first temperature. The temperature may include an ambient temperature or a room temperature and the lubricant reservoir may define a smaller volume than a volume defined by the storage container. In some configurations, the lubrication conditioning system also includes a lubricant moving device arranged within the lubricant reservoir and operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the lubricant moving device is configured to transport the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the processing system when the lubricant is substantially equal to the second temperature.

In some implementations, the whipping device includes an impeller attached to a first end of a shaft inserted into the storage container in contact with the lubricant and a motor attached to a second end of the shaft and mechanically coupled to the impeller. In these implementations, the motor is configured to drive the impeller causing it to rotate around the shaft to whip or blend the lubricant into the whipped state.

In some implementations, the whipping device includes a shaking apparatus configured to retain and support the storage container, the shaking apparatus operative to undergo vibratory or shaking motions to whip or blend the lubricant into the shipped state.

In some implementations, the whipping device includes at least one of mechanical agitators, blenders, stirrers, ultrasonic devices, or air bubblers suitable for whipping or blending the lubricant into the whipped state.

In some configurations, the pump of the lubricant supply system includes a piston-type pump driven by an engine or a motor. In some implementations the storage container includes a cylindrical drum. In these implementations, the pump of the lubricant supply system includes a circumferential disc received within the storage container upon a top surface of the lubricant, wherein the circumferential disc operable to translate relative to the storage container to pump the lubricant out of the storage container via a lubricant supply conduit. In some examples, the circumferential disc includes a diameter operative to create a fluid-tight seal with inner circumferential surfaces of the storage container.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for pre-whipping a lubricant. The method includes inserting a whipping device into a storage container containing a quantity of lubricant; controlling the whipping device to whip or blend the lubricant from a semi-solid state to a whipped state; and pumping out a portion of the quantity of lubricant into the whipped state from the storage container using a pump. The pump is inserted into the storage container and in fluid communication with the quantity of lubricant. The method also includes providing the lubricant to a processing station operable to process at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel to form a tire-wheel assembly. The processing station includes at least one of a tire lubricating sub-station or a wheel lubricating sub-station.

In some implementations, the method also includes, prior to providing the lubricant to the processing station, providing the pumped out portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state to a lubricant reservoir. In these implementations, the lubricant reservoir is operable to increase the temperature of the lubricant from a first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature using a lubricant temperature modifier disposed within the lubricant reservoir, and provide the lubricant to the processing system. In some examples, pumping out the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state includes pumping out the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state from the storage container to the lubricant reservoir when the lubricant is at the first temperature. Additionally, the lubricant reservoir may define a smaller volume than a volume defined by the storage container.

In some implementations, the whipping device includes an impeller attached to a first end of a shaft inserted into the storage container in contact with the lubricant and a motor attached to a second end of the shaft and mechanically coupled to the impeller. In these implementations, the motor is configured to drive the impeller causing it to rotate around the shaft to whip or blend the lubricant into the whipped state.

In some implementations, the whipping device includes at least one of mechanical agitators, blenders, stirrers, a shaking device, ultrasonic devices, or air bubblers suitable for whipping or blending the lubricant into the whipped state.

In some examples, the pumping out the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state includes translating a circumferential disc associated with the pump and inserted into the storage container on top of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state. The translating circumferential disc causes the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state to flow out of the storage container via a lubricant supply conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of apparatuses and methods for assembling a tire-wheel assembly. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Prior to describing embodiments of the invention, reference is made to FIGS. 16A-16D, which illustrates an exemplary tire, T. In the present disclosure, reference may be made to the “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right” and “side” of the tire, T; although such nomenclature may be utilized to describe a particular portion or aspect of the tire, T, such nomenclature may be adopted due to the orientation of the tire, T, with respect to structure that supports the tire, T. Accordingly, the above nomenclature should not be utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention and is utilized herein for exemplary purposes in describing an embodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the tire, T, includes an upper sidewall surface, T_(SU) (see, e.g., FIG. 16A), a lower sidewall surface, T_(SL) (see, e.g., FIG. 16D), and a tread surface, T_(T) (see, e.g., FIGS. 16B-16C), that joins the upper sidewall surface, T_(SU), to the lower sidewall surface, T_(SL). Referring to FIG. 16B, the upper sidewall surface, T_(SU), may rise away from the tread surface, T_(T), to a peak and subsequently descend at a slope to terminate at and form a circumferential upper bead, T_(BU); similarly, the lower sidewall surface, T_(SL), may rise away from the tread surface, T_(T), to a peak and subsequently descend at a slope to terminate at and form a circumferential lower bead, T_(BL).

As seen in FIG. 16B, when the tire, T, is in a relaxed, unbiased state, the upper bead, T_(BU), forms a circular, upper tire opening, T_(OU); similarly, when the tire, T, is in a relaxed, unbiased state, the lower bead, T_(BL), forms a circular, lower tire opening, T_(OL). It will be appreciated that when an external force is applied to the tire, T, the tire, T, may be physically manipulated, and, as a result, one or more of the upper tire opening, T_(OU), and the lower tire opening, T_(OL), may be temporality upset such that one or more of the upper tire opening, T_(OU), and the lower tire opening, T_(OL), is/are not entirely circular, but, may, for example, be manipulated to include an oval shape.

Referring to FIG. 16B, when in the relaxed, unbiased state, each of the upper tire opening, T_(OU), and the lower tire opening, T_(OL), form, respectively, an upper tire opening diameter, T_(OU-D), and a lower tire opening diameter, T_(OL-D). Further, as seen in FIGS. 16A-16B, when in the relaxed, unbiased state, the upper sidewall surface, T_(SU), and the lower sidewall surface, T_(SL), define the tire, T, to include a tire diameter, T_(D).

Referring to FIGS. 16A-16B and 16D, the tire, T, also includes a passage, T_(P). Access to the passage, T_(P), is permitted by either of the upper tire opening, T_(OU), and the lower tire opening, T_(OL). Referring to FIG. 16B, when the tire, T, is in a relaxed, unbiased state, the upper tire opening, T_(OU), and the lower tire opening, T_(OL), define the passage, T_(P), to include a diameter, T_(P-D). Referring also to FIG. 16B, the tire, T, includes a circumferential air cavity, T_(AC), that is in communication with the passage, T_(P). After joining the tire, T, to a wheel, W, pressurized air is deposited into the circumferential air cavity, T_(AC), for inflating the tire, T.

When the tire, T, is arranged adjacent structure or a wheel, W (see, e.g., FIGS. 17A-17B), as described in the following disclosure, the written description may reference a “left” portion or a “right” portion of the tire, T. Referring to FIG. 16C, the tire, T, is shown relative to a support member, S; the support member, S, is provided (and shown in phantom) in order to establish a frame of reference for the “left” portion and the “right” portion of the tire, T. In FIG. 16C, the tire, T, is arranged in a “non-rolling” orientation such that the tread surface, T_(T), is not disposed adjacent the phantom support member, S, but, rather the lower sidewall surface, T_(SL), is disposed adjacent the phantom support member, S. A center dividing line, DL, equally divides the “non-rolling” orientation of the tire, T, in half in order to generally indicate a “left” portion of the tire, T, and a “right” portion of the tire, T.

As discussed above, reference is made to several diameters, T_(P-D), T_(OU-D), T_(OL-D) of the tire, T. According to geometric theory, a diameter passes through the center of a circle, or, in the present disclosure, the axial center of the tire, T, which may alternatively be referred to as an axis of rotation of the tire, T. Geometric theory also includes the concept of a chord, which is a line segment that whose endpoints both lie on the circumference of a circle; according to geometric theory, a diameter is the longest chord of a circle.

In the following description, the tire, T, may be moved relative to structure; accordingly, in some instances, a chord of the tire, T, may be referenced in order to describe an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 16A, several chords of the tire, T, are shown generally at T_(C1), T_(C2) (i.e., the tire diameter, T_(D)) and T_(C3).

The chord, T_(C1), may be referred to as a “left” tire chord. The chord, T_(C3), may be referred to as a “right” tire chord. The chord, T_(C2), may be equivalent to the tire diameter, T_(D), and be referred to as a “central” chord. Both of the left and right tire chords, T_(C1), T_(C3), include a geometry that is less than central chord, T_(C2),/tire diameter, T_(D).

In order to reference the location of the left chord, T_(C1), and the right chord, T_(C3), reference is made to a left tire tangent line, T_(TAN-L), and a right tire tangent line, T_(TAN-R). The left chord, T_(C1), is spaced apart approximately one-fourth (¼) of the tire diameter, T_(D), from the left tire tangent line, T_(TAN-L). The right chord, T_(C3), is spaced apart approximately one-fourth (¼) of the tire diameter, T_(D), from the right tire tangent line, T_(TAN-R). Each of the left and right tire chords, T_(C1), T_(C3), may be spaced apart about one-fourth (¼) of the tire diameter, T_(D), from the central chord, T_(C2). The above spacings referenced from the tire diameter, T_(D), are exemplary and should not be meant to limit the scope of the invention to approximately a one-fourth (¼) ratio; accordingly, other ratios may be defined, as desired.

Further, as will be described in the following disclosure, the tire, T, may be moved relative to structure. Referring to FIG. 16C, the movement may be referenced by an arrow, U, to indicate upwardly movement or an arrow, D, to indicate downwardly movement. Further, the movement may be referenced by an arrow, L, to indicate left or rearwardly movement or an arrow, R, to indicate right or forwardly movement.

Prior to describing embodiments of the invention, reference is made to FIGS. 17A-17B, which illustrate an exemplary wheel, W. In the present disclosure, reference may be made to the “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right” and “side” of the wheel, W; although such nomenclature may be utilized to describe a particular portion or aspect of the wheel, W, such nomenclature may be adopted due to the orientation of the wheel, W, with respect to structure that supports the wheel, W. Accordingly, the above nomenclature should not be utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention and is utilized herein for exemplary purposes in describing an embodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the wheel, W, includes an upper rim surface, W_(RU), a lower rim surface, W_(RL), and an outer circumferential surface, W_(C), that joins the upper rim surface, W_(RU), to the lower rim surface, W_(RL). Referring to FIG. 17B, the upper rim surface, W_(RU), forms a wheel diameter, W_(D). The wheel diameter, W_(D), may be non-constant about the circumference, W_(C), from the upper rim surface, W_(RU), to the lower rim surface, W_(RL). The wheel diameter, W_(D), formed by the upper rim surface, W_(RU), may be largest diameter of the non-constant diameter about the circumference, W_(C), from the upper rim surface, W_(RU), to the lower rim surface, W_(RL). The wheel diameter, W_(D), is approximately the same as, but slightly greater than the diameter, T_(P-D), of the passage, T_(P), of the tire, T; accordingly, once the wheel, W, is disposed within the passage, T_(P), the tire, T, may flex and be frictionally-secured to the wheel, W, as a result of the wheel diameter, W_(D), being approximately the same as, but slightly greater than the diameter, T_(P-D), of the passage, T_(P), of the tire, T.

The outer circumferential surface, W_(C), of the wheel, W, further includes an upper bead seat, W_(SU), and a lower bead seat, W_(SL). The upper bead seat, W_(SU), forms a circumferential cusp, corner or recess that is located proximate the upper rim surface, W_(RU). The lower bead seat, W_(SL), forms a circumferential cusp, corner or recess that is located proximate the lower rim surface, W_(RL). Upon inflating the tire, T, the pressurized air causes the upper bead, T_(BU), to be disposed adjacent and “seat” in the upper bead seat, W_(SU); similarly, upon inflating the tire, T, the pressurized air causes the lower bead, T_(BL), to be disposed adjacent and “seat” in the lower bead seat, W_(SL).

The non-constant diameter of the outer circumference, W_(C), of the wheel, W, further forms a wheel “drop center,” W_(DC). A wheel drop center, W_(DC), may include the smallest diameter of the non-constant diameter of the outer circumference, W_(C), of the wheel, W. Functionally, the wheel drop center, W_(DC), may assist in the mounting of the tire, T, to the wheel, W.

The non-constant diameter of the outer circumference, W_(C), of the wheel, W, further forms an upper “safety bead,” W_(SB). In an embodiment, the upper safety bead may be located proximate the upper bead seat, W_(SU). In the event that pressurized air in the circumferential air cavity, T_(AC), of the tire, T, escapes to atmosphere the upper bead, T_(BU), may “unseat” from the upper bead seat, W_(SU); because of the proximity of the safety bead, W_(SB), the safety bead, W_(SB), may assist in the mitigation of the “unseating” of the upper bead, T_(BU), from the upper bead seat, W_(SU), by assisting in the retaining of the upper bead, T_(BU), in a substantially seated orientation relative to the upper bead seat, W_(SU). In some embodiments, the wheel, W, may include a lower safety bead (not shown); however, upper and/or lower safety beads may be included with the wheel, W, as desired, and are not required in order to practice the invention described in the following disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 15, embodiments of single cell workstations 10, 10′ and 10″ for processing a tire-wheel assembly, TW (as seen in, e.g., FIG. 15), are shown. The single cell workstations 10, 10′, 10″ each include a plurality of processing sub-stations 12-24, 12′-24′, 12″-24″. The “processing” conducted by each processing sub-station 12-24, 12′-24′, 12″-24″ may contribute to the act of “joining” or “mounting” a tire, T, to a wheel, W, for forming the tire-wheel assembly, TW. The act of “joining” or “mounting” may mean to physically couple, connect or marry the tire, T, and wheel, W, such that the wheel, W, may be referred to as a male portion that is inserted into the passage, T_(P), of a tire, T, being a female portion.

The plurality of processing sub-stations 12-24, 12′-24′, 12″-24″ of the single-cell workstation 10, 10′, 10″ may include, for example: a wheel repository sub-station 12, 12′, 12″, a tire repository sub-station 14, 14′, 14″, a wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, a mounting sub-station 18, 18′, 18″, an inflating sub-station 20, 20′, 20″, a seating sub-station 22, 22′, 22″ or the like. If desired, the single cell workstation 10, 10′, 10″ may include other sub-stations 24, 24′, 24″ for further processing the tire-wheel assembly, TW. The one or more further processing sub-stations 24, 24′, 24″ may include, for example, a balancing sub-station, a weight apply sub-station, a stemming sub-station, a match-marking sub-station or the like.

The term “single-cell” indicates that the sub-stations contribute to the production of a tire-wheel assembly, TW, without requiring a plurality of successive, discrete workstations that may otherwise be arranged in a conventional assembly line such that a partially-assembled tire-wheel assembly, TW, is “handed-off” along the assembly line (i.e., “handed-off” meaning that an assembly line requires a partially-assembled tire-wheel assembly, TW, to be retained by a first workstation of an assembly line, worked on, and released to a subsequent workstation in the assembly line for further processing). Rather, a single cell workstation provides one workstation having a plurality of sub-stations each performing a specific task in the process of assembling a tire-wheel assembly, TW. This assembling process takes place wherein the tire and/or wheel “handing-off” is either minimized or completely eliminated. As such, a single-cell workstation significantly reduces the cost and investment associated with owning/renting the real estate footprint associated with a conventional tire-wheel assembly line while also having to provide maintenance for each individual workstation defining the assembly line. Thus, capital investment and human oversight is significantly reduced when a single cell workstation is employed in the manufacture of tire-wheel assemblies, TW. Referring to FIG. 15, in an example, the minimization or elimination of “handing-off” the tire, T, and/or wheel, W, may result from the inclusion of a robotic arm 50 that may be located in a substantially central position relative to the plurality of sub-stations 12-24, 12′-24′, 12″-24″; the robotic arm 50 may be directly or indirectly interfaced with one or both of the wheel, W, and the tire, T, during the process of assembling the tire-wheel assembly, TW.

One aspect of the invention is a lubrication conditioning system, which is shown generally at 100 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 15. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 4A-9G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 15 such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ may be fluidly-connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ of the single cell workstations 10, 10′, 10″. Functionally, the lubrication conditioning system 100 permits an operator of the single cell workstation 10, 10′, 10″ to manually or automatically selectively adjust the temperature of a lubricant, L (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B), that is supplied to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

Selective adjustment of the temperature of the lubricant, L, realizes several benefits for the purpose of joining the tire, T, to the wheel, W, as performed by the single cell workstation 10, 10′, 10″. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, in a first example, selective adjustment of the temperature of the lubricant, L, by the lubrication conditioning system 100 permits a change of viscosity of the lubricant, L, from a higher viscosity (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A, 2A′) to a lower viscosity (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 2B′). Accordingly, if a lubricant, L, having a high viscosity (as seen in, e.g., FIGS. 2A, 2A′) at a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) is selected for use in the operation of the single cell workstation 10, 10′, 10″, a change of (e.g., an increase of) the temperature of the lubricant, L, to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) may reduce the viscosity (as seen in, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 2B′) of the lubricant, L, and, as a result, the change of the temperature of the lubricant, L, from the first temperature to the second temperature may permit, for example, air bubble entrapments, E (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A′, 2B′), within the lubricant, L, to more easily escape the lubricant, L, to atmosphere, A (as seen in FIG. 2B′), prior to the lubricant, L, being applied to one or more of the tire, T, and the wheel, W, at one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. Therefore, by decreasing the viscosity of the lubricant, L, for the purpose of reducing the number/amount of air bubble entrapments, E, within the lubricant, L, improvements in the seating of the beads T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, directly adjacent the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W, may be realized due to the lack of air bubble entrapments, E, otherwise being interveningly-arranged between the beads T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, and the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W, after the tire, T, is joined to the wheel, W (i.e., if air bubble entrapments, E, were to be interveningly-arranged between the beads T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, and the bead seat W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W, the beads T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, may be inhibited from being seated directly adjacent the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W, which may impair the joining of the tire, T, to the wheel, W, for forming the tire-wheel assembly, TW).

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, in another example, selective adjustment of the temperature of the lubricant, L, by the lubrication conditioning system 100 may permit a phase transition of the lubricant, L (e.g., a change from a substantially semi-solid lubricant, L, state of matter to a substantially liquid lubricant, L, state of matter). In an example, as seen in FIG. 3A, if the lubricant, L, is in a substantially semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state of matter at a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that may not be suitable for a particular depositing (e.g., “spraying”) application upon one or more of the tire, T, and the wheel, W, at one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, a selective change of (e.g., an increase of) the temperature of the substantially semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state of the lubricant, L, by the lubrication conditioning system 100 from the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) may permit the substantially semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state of the lubricant, L, to change from a substantially semi-solid state (as seen in, e.g., FIG. 3A) to a substantially liquid state (as seen in, e.g., FIG. 3B) that is more suitable for being ejected from an applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of a particular depositing (e.g., “spraying”) application upon one or more of the tire, T, and the wheel, W, at one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. Therefore, by permitting a phase transition of the lubricant, L, to occur, one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ that is tooled for spraying lubricant, L, from a spray nozzle, S, may not be limited to a particular (e.g., liquid state of matter) lubricant, L, that is arranged in at a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”)); accordingly, by permitting a phase transition of the lubricant, L, to occur as a result of inclusion of the lubrication condition system 100, lubricants, L, having, for example, a non-liquid state of matter (such as, e.g., a semi-solid paste lubricant) at the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) may be utilized by one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ that is tooled for spraying lubricant, L.

Although two benefits realized by the inclusion of the lubrication conditioning system 100 are described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 may also provide other benefits not described in this disclosure. Further, although the two benefits are described separately above, both of the benefits may be concurrently realized (i.e., if a selected lubricant, L, is in a semi-solid paste form, the selective change of (e.g., an increase of) the temperature of the semi-solid paste-form lubricant, L, may permit the above-described phase transition to occur while also changing the viscosity, which may thereby also permit air bubble entrapments, E, within the paste-form lubricant, L, to more easily escape to atmosphere, A. Yet even further, it will be appreciated that the lubrication conditioning system 100 permits many types of lubricants, L, to be utilized by one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″; for example, lubricants, L, utilized by one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ may include, but is not limited to: substantially semi-solid paste lubricants, substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricants, substantially liquid water-soap lubricants, or the like.

As seen in FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5G, 8A-8B and 9A-9G, embodiments of lubrication conditioning systems 100 a-100 a′, 100 b-100 b″″″, 100 c-100 c′ and 100 d-100 d″″″ are described. The lubrication conditioning systems 100 a-100 a′ and 100 c-100 c′ of FIGS. 4A-4B and 8A-8B function by directly increasing the temperature of the lubricant, L; the lubrication conditioning systems 100 b-100 b″″″ and 100 d-100 d″″″ of FIGS. 5A-5G and 9A-9G function as heat exchangers by indirectly increasing the temperature of the lubricant, L. In some instances, the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a-100 d″″″ raise the temperature of the lubricant, L, between about 130° F. to 145° F. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a-100 a′, 100 b-100 b″″″, 100 c-100 c′ and 100 d-100 d″″″ seen in FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5G, 8A-8B and 9A-9G may be interchangeably-arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 described at FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 15 to thereby be fluidly-connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ for the purpose of depositing lubricant, L, upon one or more of at least the beads T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, and the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 a is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 a directly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 a includes a lubricant reservoir 102 a, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 a, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 a and a controller 108 a. The lubricant reservoir 102 a contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 a is arranged relative to (e.g., over) an opening 103 a formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 a in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a to directly communicate with the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 a may be arranged within a cavity 105 a formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 a and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 a may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a may be a light source that emits light defined by a wavelength. The light source 104 a may be any desirable light source, such as, for example, an incandescent light source, an infrared light source, a laser light source, or the like. The light emitted from the light source 104 a passes through the opening 103 a formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 a in order to permit the light from the light source 104 a to directly impacts upon/enters the lubricant, L; once the light impacts/enters the lubricant, L, the light may directly heat the lubricant, L, thereby raising the temperature of the lubrication from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 a may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the light source 104 a. The controller 108 a may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L, that is determined by the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a to the controller 108 a. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 a is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 a, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 a is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 a in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 a may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 a. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 a may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 a, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a to the controller 108 a. Accordingly, the controller 108 a may maintain the light source 104 a in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 a may automatically switch the light source 104 a to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 a may be executed by providing the controller 108 a with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 a may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 a which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 a. Once the operator informs the controller 108 a which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 a, the controller 108 a will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 a. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the light source 104 a will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 a′ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 a′ directly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 a′ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 a′, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 a′, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 a′ and a controller 108 a′. The lubricant reservoir 102 a′ contains the lubricant, L. At least a portion (see, e.g., 104 a ₂′) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a′ is arranged within a cavity 105 a′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 a′ and submerged within the lubricant, L, in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a′ to directly communicate with the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 a′ may be arranged within the cavity 105 a′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 a′ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 a′ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a′ and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a′ for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a′ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a′ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 a′ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 a ₁′ connected to a heating coil 104 a ₂′. In an example, the controller 108 a′ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 a ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 a ₂′. The controller 108 a′ may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a′ to the controller 108 a′. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 a′ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 a′, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 a′ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 a′ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 a ₁′ is actuated, the electrical source 104 a ₁′ may cause the heating coil 104 a ₂′ to be heated; because the lubricant, L, is in direct contact with the heating coil 104 a ₂′, the heating coil 104 a ₂′ may directly heat the lubricant, L, thereby raising the temperature of the lubrication from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 a′ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 a′. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 a′ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 a′, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 a′ to the controller 108 a′. Accordingly, the controller 108 a′ may maintain the electrical source 104 a ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 a ₂′ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 a′ may automatically switch the electrical source 104 a ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 a ₂′ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 a′ may be executed by providing the controller 108 a′ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 a′ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 a′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 a′. Once the operator informs the controller 108 a′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 a′, the controller 108 a′ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 a′. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 a ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 a ₂′ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b and a controller 108 b. The lubricant reservoir 102 b contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 b is arranged relative to (e.g., over) the lubricant reservoir 102 b in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b may be arranged within a cavity 105 b formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 b may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b may be a light source that emits light defined by a wavelength. The light source 104 b may be any desirable light source, such as, for example, an incandescent light source, an infrared light source, a laser light source, or the like. Unlike the embodiment described above at FIG. 4A, the light emitted from the light source 104 b does not pass through an opening (see, e.g., opening 103 a of FIG. 4A) formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b, but, rather, the light impacts upon the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 b itself thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant reservoir 102 b. Because the lubricant, L, is contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 b, the light emitted by the light source 104 b that heats the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 b may thereby indirectly heat the lubricant, L, contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 b such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 b may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the light source 104 b. The controller 108 b may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b to the controller 108 b. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 b may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b to the controller 108 b. Accordingly, the controller 108 b may maintain the light source 104 b in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b may automatically switch the light source 104 b to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b may be executed by providing the controller 108 b with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b, the controller 108 b will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the light source 104 b will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b′ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b′, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′, a controller 108 b′, a fluid container 110 b′ and a fluid temperature sensor 112 b′. The lubricant reservoir 102 b′ contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′ is arranged relative to (e.g., over) the lubricant reservoir 102 b′ and the fluid container 110 b′ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L; indirect communication of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′ with the lubricant, L, is achieved by submerging the lubricant reservoir 102 b′ within a fluid, F, that is contained by the fluid container 110 b′.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′ may be arranged within a cavity 105 b′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b′ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 b′ may be arranged within a cavity 113 b′ formed by the fluid container 110 b′ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F. The controller 108 b′ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b′ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b′ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′ may be a light source that emits light defined by a wavelength. The light source 104 b′ may be any desirable light source, such as, for example, an incandescent light source, an infrared light source, a laser light source, or the like. Unlike the embodiment described above at FIG. 4A, the light emitted from the light source 104 b′ does not pass through an opening (see, e.g., opening 103 a of FIG. 4A) formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b′, but, rather, the light impacts upon/enters the fluid, F, arranged within the fluid container 110 b′ thereby raising the temperature of the fluid, F, that surrounds the lubricant reservoir 102 b′. Because the lubricant, L, is contained by and in direct contact with an interior surface of lubricant reservoir 102 b′, and, because an exterior surface of the lubricant reservoir 102 b′ is in direct contact with the fluid, F, the light emitted by the light source 104 b′ that heats the fluid, F, may thereby indirectly heat the lubricant, L, contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 b′ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 b′ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the light source 104 b′. The controller 108 b′ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b′ to the controller 108 b′. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b′ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b′, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b′ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 b′ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b′ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b′ to the controller 108 b′. Accordingly, the controller 108 b′ may maintain the light source 104 b′ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b′ may automatically switch the light source 104 b′ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′ may be executed by providing the controller 108 b′ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b′ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b′. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b′, the controller 108 b′ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b′. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the light source 104 b′ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5C, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″, a controller 108 b″, a fluid container 110 b″ and a fluid temperature sensor 112 b″. The lubricant reservoir 102 b″ contains the lubricant, L. At least a portion (see, e.g., 104 b ₂″) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′ is arranged within a cavity 113 b″ formed by the fluid container 110 b″ and submerged within a fluid, F, contained by the fluid container 110 b″ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L; indirect communication of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″ with the lubricant, L, is achieved by submerging the lubricant reservoir 102 b″ containing the lubricant, L, within the fluid, F, that is contained within the cavity 113 b″ of the fluid container 110 b″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 b″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 b″ may be arranged within the cavity 113 b″ formed by the fluid container 110 b″ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F.

The controller 108 b″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 b ₁″ connected to a heating coil 104 b ₂″. In an example, the controller 108 b″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 b ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 b ₂″. The controller 108 b″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″ to the controller 108 b″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 b ₁″ is actuated, the electrical source 104 b ₁″ may cause the heating coil 104 b ₂″ to be heated; because the fluid, F, is in direct contact with the heating coil 104 b ₂″, the heating coil 104 b ₂″ may directly heat the fluid, F. Because the lubricant reservoir 102 b″ is in direct contact with the fluid, F, the lubricant, L, contained within lubricant reservoir 102 b″ is also heated, thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 b″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″ to the controller 108 b″. Accordingly, the controller 108 b″ may maintain the electrical source 104 b ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 b ₂″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b″ may automatically switch the electrical source 104 b ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 b ₂″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 b″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b″, the controller 108 b″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 b ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 b ₂″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5D, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b′″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ and a controller 108 b′″. The lubricant reservoir 102 b′″ contains the lubricant, L. Unlike the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″ described above, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ is not submerged within the lubricant, L, or the fluid, F, nor is the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to, lubricant reservoir 102 a, 102 a′, 102 b, 102 b′, 102 b″ and/or fluid container 102 b′, 102 b″; rather, a portion (see, e.g., 104 b ₂′″) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ is disposed directly adjacent an exterior surface 114 b′″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″. Accordingly, as a result of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ being arranged directly adjacent the exterior surface 114 b′″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″, the portion 104 b ₂′″ of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ permits the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, by way of the material defined by lubricant reservoir 102 b′″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 b′″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 b′″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 b ₁′″ connected to a hot plate 104 b ₂′″. In an example, the controller 108 b′″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 b ₁′″ connected to the hot plate 104 b ₂′″. The controller 108 b′″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ to the controller 108 b′″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b′″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b′″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 b ₁′″ is actuated, the electrical source 104 b ₁′″ may cause the hot plate 104 b ₂′″ to be heated; because the exterior surface 114 b′″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″ is in direct contact with the hot plate 104 b ₂′″, the hot plate 104 b ₂′″ may directly heat the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″; because the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″ is in direct contact with the lubricant, L, the lubricant, L, is also heated, thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 b′″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b′″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ to the controller 108 b′″. Accordingly, the controller 108 b′″ may maintain the electrical source 104 b ₁′″ connected to the hot plate 104 b ₂′″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b′″ may automatically switch the hot plate 104 b′″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 b′″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b′″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b′″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b′″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″, the controller 108 b′″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b′″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 b ₁′″ connected to the hot plate 104 b ₂′″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5E, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b″″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″, a controller 108 b″″, a fluid container 110 b″″ and a fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″. The lubricant reservoir 102 b″″ contains the lubricant, L, and the fluid container 110 b″″ contains a fluid, F. Unlike the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″ described above, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″ is not submerged within the lubricant, L, or the fluid, F, nor is the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″ arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to, lubricant reservoir 102 a, 102 a′, 102 b, 102 b′, 102 b″ and/or fluid container 102 b′, 102 b″; rather, a portion (see, e.g., 104 b ₂′″) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″ is disposed directly adjacent an exterior surface 116 b″″ of the fluid container 110 b″″. Accordingly, as a result of the portion 104 b ₂″″ of the temperature modifier 104 b″″ being arranged directly adjacent the exterior surface 116 b″″ of the fluid container 110 b″″, the portion 104 b ₂″″ of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″ permits the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, by way of: the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″, the material defining the fluid container 110 b″″ and the fluid, F, that is contained by the fluid container 110 b″″ that surrounds the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 b″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″ may be arranged within the cavity 113 b″″ formed by the fluid container 110 b″″ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F.

The controller 108 b″″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 b ₁″″ connected to a hot plate 104 b ₂″″. In an example, the controller 108 b″″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 b ₁″″ connected to the hot plate 104 b ₂″″. The controller 108 b″″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″ to the controller 108 b″″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b″″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b″″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 b ₁″″ is actuated, the electrical source 104 b ₁″″ may cause the hot plate 104 b ₂″″ to be heated; because the exterior surface 116 b″″ of the fluid container 110 b″″ is in direct contact with the hot plate 104 b ₂″″, the hot plate 104 b ₂″″ may directly heat the fluid, F. Because the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″ is in direct contact with the exterior surface 116 b″″ of the fluid container 110 b″″, which contains the fluid, F, the lubricant, L, contained within lubricant reservoir 102 b″″ and submerged within the fluid, F, is also heated, thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 b″″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b″″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″ to the controller 108 b″″. Accordingly, the controller 108 b″″ may maintain the electrical source 104 b ₁″″ connected to the hot plate 104 b ₂″″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b″″ may automatically switch the hot plate 104 b″″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 b″″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b″″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″, the controller 108 b″″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b″″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 b ₁″″ connected to the hot plate 104 b ₂″″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5F, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″″, a controller 108 b′″″ and an enclosed housing 118 b′″″. The lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″″ is arranged relative to (e.g., next to or proximate) the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ and within the enclosed housing 118 b′″″ along with the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 b′″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 b′″″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″″ and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″″ for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b′″″ may be a burner that burns a fuel (e.g., gas) in order to produce a flame. The flame heats the ambient air within the enclosed housing 118 b′″″ thereby raising the temperature of one or more of the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ and lubricant, L, that are arranged within the enclosed housing 118 b′″″. Because the lubricant, L, is arranged within the enclosed housing 118 b′″″, the fluid (i.e., the ambient air, A) within the enclosed housing 118 b′″″ may indirectly heat one or more of the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ and the lubricant, L, contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 b′″″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the burner 104 b′″″. The controller 108 b′″″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″″ to the controller 108 b′″″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b′″″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b′″″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 b′″″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b′″″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b′″″ to the controller 108 b′″″. Accordingly, the controller 108 b′″″ may maintain the burner 104 b′″″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b′″″ may automatically switch the burner 104 b′″″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b′″″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 b′″″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b′″″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b′″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b′″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b′″″, the controller 108 b′″″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b′″″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the burner 100′″″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 5G, a lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″″, a controller 108 b″″″, a fluid container 110 b″″″, a fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″″ and an enclosed housing 118 b″″″. The lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″ contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″ is arranged relative to (e.g., next to or proximate) the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″ and the fluid container 110 b″″″ within the enclosed housing 118 b″″″ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L; indirect communication of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″ with the lubricant, L, is achieved by submerging the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″ with a fluid, F, that is contained by the fluid container 110 b″″″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 b″″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″″ may be arranged within a cavity 113 b″″″ formed by the fluid container 110 b″″″ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F.

The controller 108 b″″″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″″ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 b″″″ may be a burner that burns a fuel (e.g., gas) in order to produce a flame. The flame heats the ambient air, A, within the enclosed housing 118 b″″″ thereby raising the temperature of one or more of the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″, the lubricant, L, the fluid container 110 b″″″ and the fluid, F, that are also arranged within the enclosed housing 118 b″″″. Because the lubricant, L, is arranged within the enclosed housing 118 b″″″, the fluid (i.e., the ambient air, A) within the enclosed housing 118 b″″″ may indirectly heat one or more of the fluid container 110 b″″″, the fluid, F, contained by the fluid container 110 b″″″, and the lubrication reservoir 102 b″″″ and the lubricant, L, that is contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 b″″″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the burner 104 b″″″. The controller 108 b″″″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″″ to the controller 108 b″″″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 b″″″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 b″″″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 b″″″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 b″″″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 b″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 b″″″ to the controller 108 b″″″. Accordingly, the controller 108 b″″″ may maintain the burner 104 b″″″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 b″″″ may automatically switch the burner 104 b″″″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 b″″″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 b″″″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 b″″″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 b″″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 b″″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 b″″″, the controller 108 b″″″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 b″″″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the burner 104 b″″″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 4A-5G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 6A such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, S, of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. In an embodiment, the applicator, S, may be a spray nozzle for spraying/misting the lubricant, L, upon the wheel, W. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, S, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W.

Referring to FIG. 6B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 4A-5G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 6B such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, S, of the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In an embodiment, the applicator, S, may be a spray nozzle for spraying/misting the lubricant, L, upon the tire, T. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, S, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the beads T_(BU), T_(BL) of the tire, T.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 4A-5G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 7A such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, R, of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. In an embodiment, the applicator, R, may be a roller for wiping the lubricant, L, upon the wheel, W. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, R, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 4A-5G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 7B such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, R, of the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In an embodiment, the applicator, R, may be a roller for wiping the lubricant, L, upon the tire, T. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, R, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the beads T_(BU), T_(BL) of the tire, T.

Referring to FIGS. 6A′, 6B′, 7A′ and 7B′, exemplary alternative systems for lubricating a wheel, W (see, e.g., FIGS. 6A′, 7A′), and a tire, T (see, e.g., FIGS. 6B′, 7B′), are shown. Unlike the systems shown and described above at FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B, the systems shown and described at FIGS. 6A′, 6B′, 7A′ and 7B′ do not include a dedicated lubrication conditioning system 100 that increases the temperature of the lubricant, L; rather, the systems shown and described at FIGS. 6A′, 6B′, 7A′ and 7B′ include a high pressure pump 150′ that inherently increases the temperature of the lubricant, L, by virtue of pressurizing the lubricant during the process of ejecting the lubricant upon the tire, T, and/or wheel, W, at the lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, 16 b′, 16 b″ as the lubricant, L, is drawn through the high pressure pump 150′. As described above, when the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised, the lubricant, L, undergoes a viscosity transition (e.g., a change from a substantially paste lubricant, L, to a substantially liquid lubricant, L) in order to arrange the lubricant, L, in a more suitable state for being ejected from an applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of a particular depositing (e.g., “spraying”) application upon one or more of the tire, T, and the wheel, W, at one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. Therefore, by inducing a viscosity transition of the lubricant, L, to occur, one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ that is tooled for spraying lubricant, L, from a spray nozzle, S, may not be limited to a particular (e.g., viscosity) lubricant, L, that is arranged in at a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”)); accordingly, by permitting a viscosity transition of the lubricant, L, to occur as a result of inclusion of the high pressure pump 150′, lubricants, L, having, for example, a non-liquid state of matter (such as, e.g., a semi-solid paste lubricant) at the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) may be utilized by one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ that is tooled for spraying lubricant, L.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 c is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 c directly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 c includes a lubricant reservoir 102 c, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 c, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 c and a controller 108 c. The lubricant reservoir 102 c contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 c is arranged relative to (e.g., over) an opening 103 c formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c to directly communicate with the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 c may be arranged within a cavity 105 c formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 c may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c may be a light source that emits light defined by a wavelength. The light source 104 c may be any desirable light source, such as, for example, an incandescent light source, an infrared light source, a laser light source, or the like. The light emitted from the light source 104 c passes through the opening 103 c formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c in order to permit the light from the light source 104 c to directly impacts upon/enters the lubricant, L; once the light impacts/enters the lubricant, L, the light may directly heat the lubricant, L, thereby raising the temperature of the lubrication from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 c may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the light source 104 c. The controller 108 c may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L, that is determined by the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c to the controller 108 c. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 c is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 c, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 c in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 c may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 c. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 c may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 c, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c to the controller 108 c. Accordingly, the controller 108 c may maintain the light source 104 c in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 c may automatically switch the light source 104 c to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 c may be executed by providing the controller 108 c with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 c may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 c which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 c. Once the operator informs the controller 108 c which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 c, the controller 108 c will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 c. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the light source 104 c will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

Unlike the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 4A, the lubricant reservoir 102 c of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 8A does not include an opening (see, e.g., 103 a in FIG. 4A) such as a vent to atmosphere that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A; rather, the lubricant reservoir 102 c is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 c may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 c may include several ports 120 c, 122 c and 124 c, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 c may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 c to pressurize the cavity 105 c formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 c to the cavity 105 c is permitted when a flow control valve 128 c is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 c may permit a pressure sensor 130 c to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 c formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 c may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 c to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 c. A proximal end 132 c ₁ of a conduit member 132 c may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 c, and, a distal end 132 c ₂ of the conduit member 132 c may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 c may be connected to the conduit member 132 c for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 c. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 c may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 c for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 c.

As seen in FIG. 8A, the controller 108 c may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 c, the flow control valve 128 c, the pressure sensor 130 c, the one or more heating elements 134 c and the temperature sensor 136 c. In an example, the controller 108 c may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 c, the flow control valve 128 c, the pressure sensor 130 c, the one or more heating elements 134 c and the temperature sensor 136 c as follows.

The controller 108 c may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 c for arranging the flow control valve 128 c in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 c to be in communication with the cavity 105 c by way of the fluid communication port 124 c. Upon the controller 108 c sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 c for arranging the flow control valve 128 c in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 c may be directed into the cavity 105 c and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 c that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 c; the pressure sensor 130 c may communicate a signal to the controller 108 c indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 c.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 c with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 c, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 c by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 c and through the conduit member 132 c. In some instances, if the controller 108 c learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 c) that the cavity 105 c is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 c causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 c to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 c by way of the fluid communication port 120 c. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 c is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 c by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 c to the controller 108 c), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 c may actuate one or more heating elements 134 c for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 c; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 c, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 c and into the conduit member 132 c prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 c′ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 c′ directly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 c′ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 c′, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 c′, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 c′ and a controller 108 c′. The lubricant reservoir 102 c′ contains the lubricant, L. At least a portion (see, e.g., 104 c ₂′) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c′ is arranged within a cavity 105 c′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c′ and submerged within the lubricant, L, in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c′ to directly communicate with the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 c′ may be arranged within the cavity 105 c′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c′ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 c′ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c′ and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c′ for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c′ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c′ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c′ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 c ₁′ connected to a heating coil 104 c ₂′. In an example, the controller 108 c′ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 c ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 c ₂′. The controller 108 c′ may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c′ to the controller 108 c′. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 c′ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 c′, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c′ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 c′ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 c ₁′ is actuated, the electrical source 104 c ₁′ may cause the heating coil 104 c ₂′ to be heated; because the lubricant, L, is in direct contact with the heating coil 104 c ₂′, the heating coil 104 c ₂′ may directly heat the lubricant, L, thereby raising the temperature of the lubrication from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 c′ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 c′. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 c′ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 c′, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 c′ to the controller 108 c′. Accordingly, the controller 108 c′ may maintain the electrical source 104 c ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 c ₂′ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 c′ may automatically switch the electrical source 104 c ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 c ₂′ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 c′ may be executed by providing the controller 108 c′ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 c′ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 c′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 c′. Once the operator informs the controller 108 c′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 c′, the controller 108 c′ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 c′. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 c ₁′ connected to the heating coil 104 c ₂′ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 4B, the lubricant reservoir 102 c′ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 8B does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 c′ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 c′ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 c′ may include several ports 120 c′, 122 c′ and 124 c′, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 c′ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 c′ to pressurize the cavity 105 c′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c′; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′ to the cavity 105 c′ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 c′ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 c′ may permit a pressure sensor 130 c′ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 c′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c′.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 c′ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 c′ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 c′. A proximal end 132 c ₁′ of a conduit member 132 c′ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 c′, and, a distal end 132 c ₂′ of the conduit member 132 c′ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 c′ may be connected to the conduit member 132 c′ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 c′. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 c′ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 c′ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 c′.

As seen in FIG. 8B, the controller 108 c′ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′, the flow control valve 128 c′, the pressure sensor 130 c′, the one or more heating elements 134 c′ and the temperature sensor 136 c′. In an example, the controller 108 c′ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′, the flow control valve 128 c′, the pressure sensor 130 c′, the one or more heating elements 134 c′ and the temperature sensor 136 c′ as follows.

The controller 108 c′ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 c′ for arranging the flow control valve 128 c′ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′ to be in communication with the cavity 105 c′ by way of the fluid communication port 124 c′. Upon the controller 108 c′ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 c′ for arranging the flow control valve 128 c′ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′ may be directed into the cavity 105 c′ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 c′ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 c′; the pressure sensor 130 c′ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 c′ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 c′.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 c′ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 c′ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 c′ and through the conduit member 132 c′. In some instances, if the controller 108 c′ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 c′) that the cavity 105 c′ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 c′ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 c′ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 c′ by way of the fluid communication port 120 c′. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 c′ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 c′ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 c′ to the controller 108 c′), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 c′ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 c′ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 c′; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 c′, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 c′ and into the conduit member 132 c′ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d and a controller 108 d. The lubricant reservoir 102 d contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 d is arranged relative to (e.g., over) the lubricant reservoir 102 d in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d may be arranged within a cavity 105 d formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 d may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d may be a light source that emits light defined by a wavelength. The light source 104 d may be any desirable light source, such as, for example, an incandescent light source, an infrared light source, a laser light source, or the like. Unlike the embodiment described above at FIG. 8A, the light emitted from the light source 104 d does not pass through an opening (see, e.g., opening 103 c of FIG. 8A) formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d, but, rather, the light impacts upon the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 d itself thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant reservoir 102 d. Because the lubricant, L, is contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 d, the light emitted by the light source 104 d that heats the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 d may thereby indirectly heat the lubricant, L, contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 d such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 d may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the light source 104 d. The controller 108 d may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d to the controller 108 d. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 d may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d to the controller 108 d. Accordingly, the controller 108 d may maintain the light source 104 d in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d may automatically switch the light source 104 d to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d may be executed by providing the controller 108 d with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d, the controller 108 d will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the light source 104 d will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9A does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d may include several ports 120 d, 122 d and 124 d, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d to pressurize the cavity 105 d formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d to the cavity 105 d is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d may permit a pressure sensor 130 d to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d. A proximal end 132 d ₁ of a conduit member 132 d may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d, and, a distal end 132 d ₂ of the conduit member 132 d may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d may be connected to the conduit member 132 d for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d.

As seen in FIG. 9A, the controller 108 d may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d, the flow control valve 128 d, the pressure sensor 130 d, the one or more heating elements 134 d and the temperature sensor 136 d. In an example, the controller 108 d may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d, the flow control valve 128 d, the pressure sensor 130 d, the one or more heating elements 134 d and the temperature sensor 136 d as follows.

The controller 108 d may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d for arranging the flow control valve 128 d in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d to be in communication with the cavity 105 d by way of the fluid communication port 124 d. Upon the controller 108 d sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d for arranging the flow control valve 128 d in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d may be directed into the cavity 105 d and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d; the pressure sensor 130 d may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d and through the conduit member 132 d. In some instances, if the controller 108 d learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d) that the cavity 105 d is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d by way of the fluid communication port 120 d. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d to the controller 108 d), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d and into the conduit member 132 d prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d′ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d′, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′, a controller 108 d′, a fluid container 110 d′ and a fluid temperature sensor 112 d′. The lubricant reservoir 102 d′ contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′ is arranged relative to (e.g., over) the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ and the fluid container 110 d′ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L; indirect communication of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′ with the lubricant, L, is achieved by submerging the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ within a fluid, F, that is contained by the fluid container 110 d′.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′ may be arranged within a cavity 105 d′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 d′ may be arranged within a cavity 113 d′ formed by the fluid container 110 d′ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F. The controller 108 d may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d′ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d′ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′ may be a light source that emits light defined by a wavelength. The light source 104 d′ may be any desirable light source, such as, for example, an incandescent light source, an infrared light source, a laser light source, or the like. Unlike the embodiment described above at FIG. 8A, the light emitted from the light source 104 d′ does not pass through an opening (see, e.g., opening 103 c of FIG. 8A) formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′, but, rather, the light impacts upon/enters the fluid, F, arranged within the fluid container 110 d′ thereby raising the temperature of the fluid, F, that surrounds the lubricant reservoir 102 d′. Because the lubricant, L, is contained by and in direct contact with an interior surface of lubricant reservoir 102 d′, and, because an exterior surface of the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ is in direct contact with the fluid, F, the light emitted by the light source 104 d′ that heats the fluid, F, may thereby indirectly heat the lubricant, L, contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 d′ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the light source 104 d′. The controller 108 d′ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d′ to the controller 108 d′. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d′ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d′, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d′ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 d′ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d′ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d′ to the controller 108 d′. Accordingly, the controller 108 d′ may maintain the light source 104 d′ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d′ may automatically switch the light source 104 d′ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′ may be executed by providing the controller 108 d′ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d′ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d′. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d′ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d′, the controller 108 d′ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d′. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the light source 104 d′ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5B, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9B does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′ may include several ports 120 d′, 122 d′ and 124 d′, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d′ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d′ to pressurize the cavity 105 d′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′ to the cavity 105 d′ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d′ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d′ may permit a pressure sensor 130 d′ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d′ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d′ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d′ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d′. A proximal end 132 d ₁′ of a conduit member 132 d′ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d′, and, a distal end 132 d ₂′ of the conduit member 132 d′ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d′ may be connected to the conduit member 132 d′ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d′ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d′ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′.

As seen in FIG. 9B, the controller 108 d′ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′, the flow control valve 128 d′, the pressure sensor 130 d′, the one or more heating elements 134 d′ and the temperature sensor 136 d′. In an example, the controller 108 d′ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′, the flow control valve 128 d′, the pressure sensor 130 d′, the one or more heating elements 134 d′ and the temperature sensor 136 d′ as follows.

The controller 108 d′ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d′ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d′ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′ to be in communication with the cavity 105 d′ by way of the fluid communication port 124 d′. Upon the controller 108 d′ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d′ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d′ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′ may be directed into the cavity 105 d′ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d′ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d′; the pressure sensor 130 d′ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d′ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d′.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d′ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d′ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d′ and through the conduit member 132 d′. In some instances, if the controller 108 d′ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d′) that the cavity 105 d′ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d′ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d′ by way of the fluid communication port 120 d′. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d′ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d′ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d′ to the controller 108 d′), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d′ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d′ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d′ and into the conduit member 132 d′ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9C, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″, a controller 108 d″, a fluid container 110 d″ and a fluid temperature sensor 112 d″. The lubricant reservoir 102 d″ contains the lubricant, L. At least a portion (see, e.g., 104 d ₂″) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″ is arranged within a cavity 113 d″ formed by the fluid container 110 d″ and submerged within a fluid, F, contained by the fluid container 110 d″ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L; indirect communication of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″ with the lubricant, L, is achieved by submerging the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ containing the lubricant, L, within the fluid, F, that is contained within the cavity 113 d″ of the fluid container 110 d″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 d″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 d″ may be arranged within the cavity 113 d″ formed by the fluid container 110 d″ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F.

The controller 108 d″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 d ₁″ connected to a heating coil 104 d ₂″. In an example, the controller 108 d″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 d ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 d ₂″. The controller 108 d″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″ to the controller 108 d″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 d ₁″ is actuated, the electrical source 104 d ₁″ may cause the heating coil 104 d ₂″ to be heated; because the fluid, F, is in direct contact with the heating coil 104 d ₂″, the heating coil 104 d ₂″ may directly heat the fluid, F. Because the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ is in direct contact with the fluid, F, the lubricant, L, contained within lubricant reservoir 102 d″ is also heated, thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 d″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″ to the controller 108 d″. Accordingly, the controller 108 d″ may maintain the electrical source 104 d ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 d ₂″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d″ may automatically switch the electrical source 104 d ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 d ₂″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 d″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d″, the controller 108 d″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 d ₁″ connected to the heating coil 104 d ₂″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5C, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9C does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″ may include several ports 120 d″, 122 d″ and 124 d″, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d″ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d″ to pressurize the cavity 105 d″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″ to the cavity 105 d″ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d″ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d″ may permit a pressure sensor 130 d″ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d″ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d″ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d″. A proximal end 132 d ₁″ of a conduit member 132 d″ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d″, and, a distal end 132 d ₂″ of the conduit member 132 d″ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d″ may be connected to the conduit member 132 d″ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d″ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d″ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″.

As seen in FIG. 9C, the controller 108 d″ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″, the flow control valve 128 d″, the pressure sensor 130 d″, the one or more heating elements 134 d″ and the temperature sensor 136 d″. In an example, the controller 108 d″ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″, the flow control valve 128 d″, the pressure sensor 130 d″, the one or more heating elements 134 d″ and the temperature sensor 136 d″ as follows.

The controller 108 d″ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d″ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″ to be in communication with the cavity 105 d″ by way of the fluid communication port 124 d″. Upon the controller 108 d″ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d″ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″ may be directed into the cavity 105 d″ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d″ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d″; the pressure sensor 130 d″ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d″ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d″.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d″ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d″ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d″ and through the conduit member 132 d″. In some instances, if the controller 108 d″ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d″) that the cavity 105 d″ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d″ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d″ by way of the fluid communication port 120 d″. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d″ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d″ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d″ to the controller 108 d″), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d″ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d″ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d″ and into the conduit member 132 d″ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9D, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d′″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″ and a controller 108 d′″. The lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ contains the lubricant, L. Unlike the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″ described above, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ is not submerged within the lubricant, L, or the fluid, F, nor is the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to, lubricant reservoir 102 c, 102 c′, 102 d, 102 d′, 102 d″ and/or fluid container 102 d′, 102 d″; rather, a portion (see, e.g., 104 d ₂′) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ is disposed directly adjacent an exterior surface 114 d′″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″. Accordingly, as a result of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ being arranged directly adjacent the exterior surface 114 d′″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″, the portion 104 d ₂′″ of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ permits the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, by way of the material defined by lubricant reservoir 102 d′″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 d′″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 d′″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″ for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 d ₁′″ connected to a hot plate 104 d ₂′″. In an example, the controller 108 d′″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 d ₁′″ connected to the hot plate 104 d ₂′″. The controller 108 d′″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″ to the controller 108 d′″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d′″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d′″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 d ₁′″ is actuated, the electrical source 104 d ₁′″ may cause the hot plate 104 d ₂′″ to be heated; because the exterior surface 114 d′″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ is in direct contact with the hot plate 104 d ₂′″, the hot plate 104 d ₂′″ may directly heat the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″; because the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ is in direct contact with the lubricant, L, the lubricant, L, is also heated, thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 d′″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d′″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″ to the controller 108 d′″. Accordingly, the controller 108 d′″ may maintain the electrical source 104 d ₁′″ connected to the hot plate 104 d ₂′″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d′″ may automatically switch the hot plate 104 d′″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 d′″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d′″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d′″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d′″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″, the controller 108 d′″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d′″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 d ₁′″ connected to the hot plate 104 d ₂′″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5D, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9D does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″ may include several ports 120 d′″, 122 d′″ and 124 d′″, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d′″ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″ to pressurize the cavity 105 d′″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″ to the cavity 105 d′″ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d′″ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d′″ may permit a pressure sensor 130 d′″ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d′″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d′″ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d′″ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″. A proximal end 132 d ₁′″ of a conduit member 132 d′″ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d′″, and, a distal end 132 d ₂′″ of the conduit member 132 d′″ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d′″ may be connected to the conduit member 132 d′″ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d′″ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d′″ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″.

As seen in FIG. 9D, the controller 108 d′″ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″, the flow control valve 128 d′″, the pressure sensor 130 d′″, the one or more heating elements 134 d′″ and the temperature sensor 136 d′″. In an example, the controller 108 d′″ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″, the flow control valve 128 d′″, the pressure sensor 130 d′″, the one or more heating elements 134 d′″ and the temperature sensor 136 d′″ as follows.

The controller 108 d′″ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d′″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d′″ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″ to be in communication with the cavity 105 d′″ by way of the fluid communication port 124 d′″. Upon the controller 108 d′″ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d′″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d′″ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″ may be directed into the cavity 105 d′″ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d′″ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d′″; the pressure sensor 130 d′″ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d′″ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d′″.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d′″ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d′″ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d′″ and through the conduit member 132 d′″. In some instances, if the controller 108 d′″ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d′″) that the cavity 105 d′″ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d′″ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d′″ by way of the fluid communication port 120 d′″. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d′″ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d′″ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d′″ to the controller 108 d′″), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d′″ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d′″ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d′″ and into the conduit member 132 d′″ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9E, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d″″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″, a controller 108 d″″, a fluid container 110 d″″ and a fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″. The lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ contains the lubricant, L, and the fluid container 110 d″″ contains a fluid, F. Unlike the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″ described above, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ is not submerged within the lubricant, L, or the fluid, F, nor is the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to, lubricant reservoir 102 c, 102 c′, 102 d, 102 d′, 102 d″ and/or fluid container 102 d′, 102 d″; rather, a portion (see, e.g., 104 d ₂″″) of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ is disposed directly adjacent an exterior surface 116 d″″ of the fluid container 110 d″″. Accordingly, as a result of the portion 104 d ₂″″ of the temperature modifier 104 d″″ being arranged directly adjacent the exterior surface 116 d″″ of the fluid container 110 d″″, the portion 104 d ₂″″ of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ permits the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, by way of: the material defining the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″, the material defining the fluid container 110 d″″ and the fluid, F, that is contained by the fluid container 110 d″″ that surrounds the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 d″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″ may be arranged within the cavity 113 d″″ formed by the fluid container 110 d″″ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F.

The controller 108 d″″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″ may include an electrical source (e.g., a current source) 104 d ₁″″ connected to a hot plate 104 d ₂″″. In an example, the controller 108 d″″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the electrical source 104 d ₁″″ connected to the hot plate 104 d ₂″″. The controller 108 d″″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″ to the controller 108 d″″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d″″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d″″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L. Once the electrical source 104 d ₁″″ is actuated, the electrical source 104 d ₁″″ may cause the hot plate 104 d ₂″″ to be heated; because the exterior surface 116 d″″ of the fluid container 110 d″″ is in direct contact with the hot plate 104 d ₂″″, the hot plate 104 d ₂″″ may directly heat the fluid, F. Because the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ is in direct contact with the exterior surface 116 d″″ of the fluid container 110 d″″, which contains the fluid, F, the lubricant, L, contained within lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ and submerged within the fluid, F, is also heated, thereby raising the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In another example, the controller 108 d″″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d″″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″ to the controller 108 d″″. Accordingly, the controller 108 d″″ may maintain the electrical source 104 d ₁″″ connected to the hot plate 104 d ₂″″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d″″ may automatically switch the hot plate 104 d″″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 d″″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d″″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″, the controller 108 d″″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d″″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the electrical source 104 d ₁″″ connected to the hot plate 104 d ₂″″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5E, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9E does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″ may include several ports 120 d″″, 122 d″″ and 124 d″″, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d″″ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″ to pressurize the cavity 105 d″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″ to the cavity 105 d″″ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d″″ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d″″ may permit a pressure sensor 130 d″″ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d″″ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d″″ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″. A proximal end 132 d ₁″″ of a conduit member 132 d″″ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d″″, and, a distal end 132 d ₂″″ of the conduit member 132 d″″ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d″″ may be connected to the conduit member 132 d″″ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d″″ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d″″ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″.

As seen in FIG. 9E, the controller 108 d″″ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″, the flow control valve 128 d″″, the pressure sensor 130 d″″, the one or more heating elements 134 d″″ and the temperature sensor 136 d″″. In an example, the controller 108 d″″ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″, the flow control valve 128 d″″, the pressure sensor 130 d″″, the one or more heating elements 134 d″″ and the temperature sensor 136 d″″ as follows.

The controller 108 d″″ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d″″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d″″ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″ to be in communication with the cavity 105 d″″ by way of the fluid communication port 124 d″″. Upon the controller 108 d″″ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d″″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d″″ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″ may be directed into the cavity 105 d″″ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d″″ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d″″; the pressure sensor 130 d″″ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d″″ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d″″.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d″″ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d″″ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d″″ and through the conduit member 132 d″″. In some instances, if the controller 108 d″″ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d″″) that the cavity 105 d″″ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d″″ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d″″ by way of the fluid communication port 120 d″″. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d″″ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d″″ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d″″ to the controller 108 d″″), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d″″ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d″″ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d″″ and into the conduit member 132 d″″ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9F, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″″, a controller 108 d′″″ and an enclosed housing 118 d′″″. The lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″″ is arranged relative to (e.g., next to or proximate) the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ and within the enclosed housing 118 d′″″ along with the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L. The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 d′″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The controller 108 d′″″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″″ and the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″″ for receiving temperature readings from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d′″″ may be a burner that burns a fuel (e.g., gas) in order to produce a flame. The flame heats the ambient air within the enclosed housing 118 d′″″ thereby raising the temperature of one or more of the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ and lubricant, L, that are arranged within the enclosed housing 118 d′″″. Because the lubricant, L, is arranged within the enclosed housing 118 d′″″, the fluid (i.e., the ambient air, A) within the enclosed housing 118 d′″″ may indirectly heat one or more of the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ and the lubricant, L, contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 d′″″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the burner 104 d′″″. The controller 108 d′″″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of the lubricant, L; the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″″ to the controller 108 d′″″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d′″″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d′″″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 d′″″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d′″″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d′″″ to the controller 108 d′″″. Accordingly, the controller 108 d′″″ may maintain the burner 104 d′″″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d′″″ may automatically switch the burner 104 d′″″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d′″″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 d′″″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d′″″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d′″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d′″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″, the controller 108 d′″″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d′″″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the burner 104 d′″″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5F, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9F does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″ may include several ports 120 d′″″, 122 d′″″ and 124 d′″″, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d′″″ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″ to pressurize the cavity 105 d′″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″ to the cavity 105 d′″″ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d′″″ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d′″″ may permit a pressure sensor 130 d′″″ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d′″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d′″″ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d′″″ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d′″″. A proximal end 132 d ₁′″″ of a conduit member 132 d′″″ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d′″″, and, a distal end 132 d ₂′″″ of the conduit member 132 d′″″ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d′″″ may be connected to the conduit member 132 d′″″ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″″. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d′″″ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d′″″ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″″.

As seen in FIG. 9F, the controller 108 d′″″ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″, the flow control valve 128 d′″″, the pressure sensor 130 d′″″, the one or more heating elements 134 d′″″ and the temperature sensor 136 d′″″. In an example, the controller 108 d′″″ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″, the flow control valve 128 d′″″, the pressure sensor 130 d′″″, the one or more heating elements 134 d′″″ and the temperature sensor 136 d′″″ as follows.

The controller 108 d′″″ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d′″″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d′″″ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″ to be in communication with the cavity 105 d′″″ by way of the fluid communication port 124 d′″″. Upon the controller 108 d′″″ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d′″″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d′″″ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″ may be directed into the cavity 105 d′″″ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d′″″ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d′″″; the pressure sensor 130 d′″″ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d′″″ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d′″″.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d′″″ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d′″″ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d′″″ and through the conduit member 132 d′″″. In some instances, if the controller 108 d′″″ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d′″″) that the cavity 105 d′″″ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d′″″ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d′″″ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d′″″ by way of the fluid communication port 120 d′″″. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d′″″ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d′″″ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d′″″ to the controller 108 d′″″), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d′″″ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d′″″ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″″; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d′″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d′″″ and into the conduit member 132 d′″″ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

Referring to FIG. 9G, a lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″ is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″ indirectly changes (e.g., increases) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″ includes a lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″, a lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″, a lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″″, a controller 108 d″″″, a fluid container 110 d″″″, a fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″″ and an enclosed housing 118 d″″″. The lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ contains the lubricant, L. The lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″ is arranged relative to (e.g., next to or proximate) the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ and the fluid container 110 d″″″ within the enclosed housing 118 d″″″ in order to permit the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″ to indirectly communicate with the lubricant, L, that is contained by the lubricant reservoir, L; indirect communication of the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″ with the lubricant, L, is achieved by submerging the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ with a fluid, F, that is contained by the fluid container 110 d″″″.

The lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″″ may be arranged within a cavity 105 d″″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ and submerged within the lubricant, L, for detecting a temperature of the lubricant, L. The fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″″ may be arranged within a cavity 113 d″″″ formed by the fluid container 110 d″″″ and submerged within the fluid, F, for detecting a temperature of the fluid, F.

The controller 108 d″″″ may be communicatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″, the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″″ for receiving temperature readings from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″″ in order to de/actuate the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″ for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In an implementation, the lubricant temperature modifier 104 d″″″ may be a burner that burns a fuel (e.g., gas) in order to produce a flame. The flame heats the ambient air, A, within the enclosed housing 118 d″″″ thereby raising the temperature of one or more of the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″, the lubricant, L, the fluid container 110 d″″″ and the fluid, F, that are also arranged within the enclosed housing 118 d″″″. Because the lubricant, L, is arranged within the enclosed housing 118 d″″″, the fluid (i.e., the ambient air, A) within the enclosed housing 118 d″″″ may indirectly heat one or more of the fluid container 110 d″″″, the fluid, F, contained by the fluid container 110 d″″″, and the lubrication reservoir 102 d″″″ and the lubricant, L, that is contained by and in contact with the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

In an example, the controller 108 d″″″ may include a manually-operated on/off switch to permit manual on/off switching of the burner 104 d″″″. The controller 108 d″″″ may also include a display that displays the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F; the temperature of one or more of the lubricant, L, and the fluid, F, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from the from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″″ to the controller 108 d″″″. Accordingly, if an operator of the of lubrication conditioning systems 100 d″″″ is aware of the type of lubricant, L, arranged within the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″, and, if the operator of the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″ is aware of a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) that the lubricant, L, should be arranged at, the operator may de/actuate the on/off switch provided by the controller 108 d″″″ in order to manually maintain control over the temperature of the lubricant, L.

In another example, the controller 108 d″″″ may include logic that permits automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″. In an example, a processor provided by the controller 108 d″″″ may be programmed with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of the lubricant, L. After actuating the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be communicated in the form of a signal that is sent from one or more of the lubricant temperature sensor 106 d″″″ and the fluid temperature sensor 112 d″″″ to the controller 108 d″″″. Accordingly, the controller 108 d″″″ may maintain the burner 104 d″″″ in an ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been increased to the second temperature; upon reaching the lubricant, L, reaching the second temperature, the controller 108 d″″″ may automatically switch the burner 104 d″″″ to an ‘off state.’

Further, in an embodiment, automatic control over the lubrication conditioning system 100 d″″″ may be executed by providing the controller 108 d″″″ with a data lookup table that associates a particular lubricant, L (e.g., a substantially semi-solid paste lubricant, a substantially semi-solid petroleum-based lubricant, a substantially liquid soap lubricant, or the like), with a desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) of a selected lubricant, L. In an example, the controller 108 d″″″ may be provided with a user interface that permits an operator to inform the controller 108 d″″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″. Once the operator informs the controller 108 d″″″ which type of lubricant, L, is deposited into the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″, the controller 108 d″″″ will refer to the data lookup table and automatically select the desired second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) associated with the lubricant, L, that was entered/selected by the operator at the user interface of the controller 108 d″″″. Accordingly, upon the operator actuating the lubrication conditioning system, the burner 104 d″″″ will remain in the ‘on state’ until the temperature of the lubricant, L, has been adjusted to the temperature associated with the lubricant, L, in the data lookup table.

In a somewhat similar fashion to the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 5G, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ of the exemplary embodiment described above at FIG. 9G does not include an opening (such as a vent to atmosphere) that permits the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A. As such, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ is defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A.

Although the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ may be defined by an enclosure that does not permit the lubricant, L, to be in direct communication with surrounding atmosphere, A, the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″ may include several ports 120 d″″″, 122 d″″″ and 124 d″″″, which may be referred to as one or more fluid communication ports. In some instances, the fluid communication port 120 d″″″ may permit a source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″ to pressurize the cavity 105 d″″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″; movement of the pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″ to the cavity 105 d″″″ is permitted when a flow control valve 128 d″″″ is arranged in an open orientation. In other instances, the fluid communication port 122 d″″″ may permit a pressure sensor 130 d″″″ to detect a pressurization level of the cavity 105 d″″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″.

In other examples, the fluid communication port 124 d″″″ may permit the lubricant, L, contained in the cavity 105 d″″″ to be evacuated from the lubricant reservoir 102 d″″″. A proximal end 132 d ₁″″″ of a conduit member 132 d″″″ may be fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 d″″″, and, a distal end 132 d ₂″″″ of the conduit member 132 d″″″ may be connected to one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In some instances, one or more heating elements 134 d″″″ may be connected to the conduit member 132 d″″″ for selectively adjusting the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″″. In other examples, a temperature sensor 136 d″″″ may be disposed upon the conduit member 132 d″″″ for determining the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″″.

As seen in FIG. 9G, the controller 108 d″″″ may also be communicatively-coupled to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″, the flow control valve 128 d″″″, the pressure sensor 130 d″″″, the one or more heating elements 134 d″″″ and the temperature sensor 136 d″″″. In an example, the controller 108 d″″″ may send and/or receive signals to one or more of the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″, the flow control valve 128 d″″″, the pressure sensor 130 d″″″, the one or more heating elements 134 d″″″ and the temperature sensor 136 d″″″ as follows.

The controller 108 d″″″ may send a signal to the flow control valve 128 d″″″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d″″″ in a closed orientation, thereby denying the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″ to be in communication with the cavity 105 d″″″ by way of the fluid communication port 124 d″″″. Upon the controller 108 d″″″ sending a signal to the flow control valve 128 d″″″ for arranging the flow control valve 128 d″″″ in the open orientation, the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″ may be directed into the cavity 105 d″″″ and thereby registering an amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d″″″ that is detected by the pressure sensor 130 d″″″; the pressure sensor 130 d″″″ may communicate a signal to the controller 108 d″″″ indicating the amount of pressure within the cavity 105 d″″″.

After pressurizing the cavity 105 d″″″ with the pressurized fluid contained by the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″, and, upon actuation of the applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″, the lubricant, L, may be expelled from the cavity 105 d″″″ by way of the pressurized fluid pushing the lubricant, L, out of the fluid communication port 124 d″″″ and through the conduit member 132 d″″″. In some instances, if the controller 108 d″″″ learns (e.g., from the signal sent from the pressure sensor 130 d″″″) that the cavity 105 d″″″ is insufficiently pressurized, which may impair a desired amount of expelled fluid from the applicator, S, the controller 108 d″″″ causes the source of pressurized fluid 126 d″″″ to increase the amount or flow rate of pressurized fluid provided to the cavity 105 d″″″ by way of the fluid communication port 120 d″″″. In other examples, if the conduit member 132 d″″″ is not sufficiently heated (which is determined by the controller 108 d″″″ by way of a temperature signal sent from the temperature sensor 136 d″″″ to the controller 108 d″″″), and, thereby cools the lubricant, L, flowing there-through, the controller 108 d″″″ may actuate one or more heating elements 134 d″″″ for raising the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″″; upon increasing the temperature of the conduit member 132 d″″″, the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, is expelled from the cavity 105 d″″″ and into the conduit member 132 d″″″ prior to exiting the applicator, S.

The source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ may be any desirable component that pressurizes the lubricant, L, within the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″ for the purpose of pushing the lubricant, L, out of the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″ and into the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ and out of the applicator, S. In some implementations, the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ may pressurize the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″ to a pressure between approximately 25 psi and 30 psi. In some examples, the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ may be a pressurized air source, an inert has source or the like. In other examples, the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ may be a piston, an air cylinder or the like.

Referring to FIG. 10A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 8A-9G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 10A such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, S, of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. In an embodiment, the applicator, S, may be a spray nozzle for spraying/misting the lubricant, L, upon the wheel, W. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, S, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W.

As seen in FIG. 10A, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the fluid-moving deice 150, and, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the fluid-moving device 150 to the applicator, S. Each of these conduits may be substantially similar to the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ in that the conduits may include one or more heating elements (substantially similar to the one or more heating elements 134 c-134 d″″″) and temperature sensor (substantially similar to the one or more temperature sensors 136 c-136 d″″″) connected to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, travels through the conduits.

Referring to FIG. 10B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 8A-9G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 10B such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, S, of the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In an embodiment, the applicator, S, may be a spray nozzle for spraying/misting the lubricant, L, upon the tire, T. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, S, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the beads T_(BU), T_(BL) of the tire, T.

As seen in FIG. 10B, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the fluid-moving deice 150, and, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the fluid-moving device 150 to the applicator, S. Each of these conduits may be substantially similar to the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ in that the conduits may include one or more heating elements (substantially similar to the one or more heating elements 134 c-134 d″″″) and temperature sensor (substantially similar to the one or more temperature sensors 136 c-136 d″″″) connected to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, travels through the conduits.

Referring to FIG. 11A, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 8A-9G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 11A such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, R, of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″. In an embodiment, the applicator, R, may be a roller for wiping the lubricant, L, upon the wheel, W. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, R, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the bead seats W_(SU), W_(SL) of the wheel, W.

As seen in FIG. 11A, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the fluid-moving deice 150, and, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the fluid-moving device 150 to the applicator, S. Each of these conduits may be substantially similar to the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ in that the conduits may include one or more heating elements (substantially similar to the one or more heating elements 134 c-134 d″″″) and temperature sensor (substantially similar to the one or more temperature sensors 136 c-136 d″″″) connected to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, travels through the conduits.

Referring to FIG. 11B, a lubrication conditioning system 100 connected to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ is shown according to an embodiment. Any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ shown and described at FIGS. 8A-9G may be arranged at the location of the lubrication conditioning system 100 of FIG. 11B such that any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ may be fluidly-coupled to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, a fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ for drawing fluid from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. The fluid-moving device 150 may be a component of either of the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 may also dispense the lubricant, L, from an applicator, R, of the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. In an embodiment, the applicator, R, may be a roller for wiping the lubricant, L, upon the tire, T. Upon being dispensed from the applicator, R, the lubricant, L, may be deposited upon at least one or more of the upper and lower the beads T_(BU), T_(BL) of the tire, T.

As seen in FIG. 11B, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the fluid-moving deice 150, and, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the fluid-moving device 150 to the applicator, S. Each of these conduits may be substantially similar to the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ in that the conduits may include one or more heating elements (substantially similar to the one or more heating elements 134 c-134 d″″″) and temperature sensor (substantially similar to the one or more temperature sensors 136 c-136 d″″″) connected to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, travels through the conduits.

Referring to FIGS. 10A′, 10B′, 11A′ and 11B′, exemplary alternative systems for lubricating a wheel, W (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A′, 11A′), and a tire, T (see, e.g., FIGS. 10B′, 11B′), are shown. Unlike the systems shown and described above at FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B, the systems shown and described at FIGS. 10A′, 10B′, 11A′ and 11B′ do not include a dedicated lubrication conditioning system 100 that increases the temperature of the lubricant, L; rather, the systems shown and described at FIGS. 10A′, 10B′, 11A′ and 11B′ include a high pressure pump 150′ that inherently increases the temperature of the lubricant, L, by virtue of pressurizing the lubricant during the process of ejecting the lubricant upon the tire, T, and/or wheel, W, at the lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, 16 b′, 16 b″ as the lubricant, L, is drawn through the high pressure pump 150′. As described above, when the temperature of the lubricant, L, is raised, the lubricant, L, undergoes a viscosity transition (e.g., a change from a substantially paste lubricant, L, to a substantially liquid lubricant, L) in order to arrange the lubricant, L, in a more suitable state for being ejected from an applicator, S (e.g., a spray nozzle), of a particular depositing (e.g., “spraying”) application upon one or more of the tire, T, and the wheel, W, at one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. Therefore, by inducing a viscosity transition of the lubricant, L, to occur, one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ that is tooled for spraying lubricant, L, from a spray nozzle, S, may not be limited to a particular (e.g., viscosity) lubricant, L, that is arranged in at a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”)); accordingly, by permitting a viscosity transition of the lubricant, L, to occur as a result of inclusion of the high pressure pump 150′, lubricants, L, having, for example, a non-liquid state of matter (such as, e.g., a semi-solid paste lubricant) at the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) may be utilized by one or more of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″ that is tooled for spraying lubricant, L. Further, as seen in FIGS. 10A′, 10B′, 11A′, 11B′, a conduit is shown fluidly-connecting the fluid-moving device 150′ to the applicator, S; the conduit may be substantially similar to the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ in that the conduit may include one or more heating elements (substantially similar to the one or more heating elements 134 c-134 d″″″) and temperature sensor (substantially similar to the one or more temperature sensors 136 c-136 d″″″) connected to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ such that the temperature of the lubricant, L, may be maintained as the lubricant, L, travels through the conduit.

Referring to FIG. 12, a fluid circuit 200 including any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c-100 d″″″ is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The fluid circuit 200 generally includes a lubricant supply system 150 connected upstream of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c-100 d″″″, a lubricant purge system 175 connected downstream of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c-100 d″″″ and upstream of the applicator, S. The fluid circuit 200 may also include a lubricant output detection portion 185 arranged proximate the applicator, S. As will be described in the following disclosure, each of the lubricant supply system 150, the lubricant purge system 175 and the lubricant output detection portion 185 are communicatively-coupled to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″.

The lubricant supply system 150 includes a lubricant supply container 152 and a lubricant supply conduit 154 that fluidly connects the lubricant supply container 152 to a lubricant supply port 138 formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c-100 d″″″. The lubricant supply conduit 154 includes a pump 156 that permits lubricant, L, contained within the lubricant supply container 152 to be transported to the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c-100 d″″″. In some instances, a lubrication amount detection device 140 may be disposed within the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″, and, when controller 108 c-108 d″″″ determines that the amount of lubricant, L, disposed within the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″ falls to a predetermined level (as a result of the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ being communicatively-coupled to the lubrication amount detection device 140), the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ may send a signal to the pump 156 for causing the lubricant, L, contained within the lubricant supply container 152 to be transported to the cavity 105 c-105 d″″″ of the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c-100 d″″″.

Like any of the lubricant temperature modifiers 104 c-104 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 c-100 d″″″ described above, the lubricant supply system 150 may also include a lubricant temperature modifier 158 for the purpose of maintaining, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the lubricant, L, disposed within the lubricant supply container 152. In an example, the lubricant temperature modifier 158 may be disposed within the lubricant supply container 152 and may be in direct contact with the lubricant, L, disposed within the lubricant supply container 152.

In some instances, the lubricant supply system 150 may also include a lubrication amount detection device 160 that detects an amount of lubricant, L, disposed within the lubricant supply container 152. The lubrication amount detection device 160 may be communicatively-coupled to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″, and, when controller 108 c-108 d″″″ determines that the amount of lubricant, L, disposed within the lubricant supply container 152 falls to a predetermined level (as a result of the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ being communicatively-coupled to the lubrication amount detection device 160), the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ may actuate an alert device (that produces, for example, an audible sound, flashing light, etc.) in order to notify an operator that the lubricant supply container 152 needs to be refilled with additional lubricant, L.

The lubricant purge system 175 includes a purge conduit member 178 that is fluidly-connected to both of the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ and the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ that is fluidly-connected to the fluid communication port 124 c-124 d″″″ formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″. The purge conduit member 178 is fluidly-connected to the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ such that the purge conduit member 178 is arranged downstream of the proximal end 132 c ₁-132 d ₁″″″ of the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ and upstream of the distal end 132 c ₂-132 d ₂″″″ of a conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″.

The purge conduit member 178 includes a plurality of valves 180, 182 184 that are communicatively-coupled to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″. The valve 180 may be referred to as a purge conduit member pressurization valve. The valve 182 may be referred to as a lubricant purge reservoir access valve. The valve 184 may be referred to as an applicator access valve.

The purge conduit member pressurization valve 180 is arranged downstream of the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ and will permit or deny movement of pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″ into the purge conduit member 178. The lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182 is arranged downstream of both of the proximal end 132 c ₁-132 d ₁″″″ of the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ and the purge conduit member pressurization valve 180. The lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182 is also arranged upstream of a lubricant purge reservoir 176. The applicator access valve 184 is arranged downstream of both of the proximal end 132 c ₁-132 d ₁″″″ of the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ and the purge conduit member pressurization valve 180.

The lubricant purge system 175 may function according to the following exemplary embodiment. In some circumstances, if previously temperature-modified lubricant remains within the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ after a previous use of the fluid circuit 200, the previously temperature-modified lubricant may return to approximately room temperature, thereby potentially creating an obstruction or clog within the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″. Therefore, after a previous use of the fluid circuit 200, the lubricant purge system 175 may be actuated for the purpose of evacuating the previously temperature-modified lubricant from with the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ and into the lubricant purge reservoir 176, thereby removing the potential for a subsequent obstruction or clog. Therefore, in a situation when there is a desired to purge lubricant remaining with the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″, the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ may selective control the orientation of the valves 180, 182, 184.

In an example, the lubricant purge system 175 may operate as follows. Firstly, the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ may arrange: (1) the purge conduit member pressurization valve 180 in a closed orientation, (2) the lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182 in an open orientation, and (3) the applicator access valve 184 in a closed orientation. Then, the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ may arrange the purge conduit member pressurization valve 180 in an open orientation in order to expose the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ (and the previously temperature-modified lubricant disposed therein) to the pressurized fluid arising from the source of pressurized fluid 126 c-126 d″″″. The pressurized fluid firstly enters the purge conduit member 178 for subsequent entry into the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ such that the previously temperature-modified lubricant disposed within the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″″ is evacuated into the lubricant purge reservoir 176 as a result of the lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182 being arranged in the open orientation. Because the applicator access valve 184 is arranged in the closed orientation, the previously temperature-modified lubricant disposed within the conduit member 132 c-132 d″″ is prevented from travelling toward the applicator, S; however, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to also arrange the applicator access valve 184 in an open orientation (in a substantially similar manner as the lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182) such that an operator may elect to selectively arrange the applicator, S, in an open orientation to thereby purge the previously temperature-modified lubricant out of the applicator, S, in addition to discharging the previously temperature-modified lubricant into the lubricant purge reservoir 176. Upon completing the lubricant-purging process described above, then controller 108 c-108 d″″ may: (1) return the purge conduit member pressurization valve 180 in a closed orientation, (2) arrange the lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182 in a closed orientation and (3) the arrange the applicator access valve 184 in an open orientation for a subsequent use of the fluid circuit 200. By arranging the lubricant purge reservoir access valve 182 in the closed orientation, during a subsequent use of the fluid circuit 200, temperature modified lubricant is prevented from flowing into the lubricant purge reservoir 176, but, rather, toward the applicator, S, as a result of the applicator access valve 184 being arranged in the open orientation.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, the lubricant output detection portion 185 includes a lubricant spray sensor 186 communicatively-coupled to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″. The lubricant spray sensor 186 determines if the applicator, S, is spraying lubricant upon the wheel, W, and, in some circumstances, if the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ is depleted of lubricant, or, if the applicator, S, is clogged by lubricant, which would effectively stop or inhibit a full flow of lubricant from the applicator, S, the lubricant spray sensor 186 will detect the lacking or non-existence of lubricant spray and communicate the detected condition to the controller 108 c-108 d″″″. Upon receiving the signal at the controller 108 c-108 d″″″, the controller 108 c-108 d″″″ may cease the spraying operation until an operator resolves the spray issue.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, a method of utilizing an applicator, S, fluidly-connected to any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100 a, 100 a′, 100 b, 100 b′, 100 b″, 100 b′″, 100 b″″, 100 b′″″, 100 b″″″, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 d′, 100 d″, 100 d′″, 100 d″″, 100 d′″″, 100 d″″″ is described according to an exemplary embodiment; in some instances, the applicator, S, may be communicatively-connected to and automatically controlled by the controller 108 c-108 d″″″, as follows.

In some instances, the applicator, S, may include a solenoid valve (not shown) that receives an electrical pulse 300 (see, e.g., duty cycle pulse of FIG. 13) that automatically opens and closes the solenoid valve on a periodic basis. In some implementations, the duty cycle 300 may include a duty cycle pulse that is equal to approximately 10 millisecond on and approximately 30 milliseconds off. The periodic opening and closing of the valve results in a periodic spray pattern 325 of the lubricant (as seen in, e.g., FIG. 14) being disposed upon at least a portion of the circumference of the wheel, W. In an example, spray patter 325 comprises a plurality of diagonally-arranged (see, e.g., angle, θ, of FIG. 14) oval areas 350 with each oval area 350 being defined by a major axis, X₁, and a minor axis, Y₁.

As seen in FIG. 14, a trailing edge 350 a and a leading edge 350 b of neighboring oval areas 350 slightly overlaps. The purpose of the shape of each over area 350 and the placement of each oval area 350 upon an entire circumference of the wheel, W, contributes to a reduced amount of lubricant applied to the wheel, W, without ‘over-applying’ the lubricant to the wheel, W. In some instances, if lubricant is over-applied, an undesirable cost may arise from wasted lubricant material; further, if the lubricant was to be over-applied, additional lubricant may subsequently become trapped between the bead seats, W_(SU), W_(SL), of the wheel, W, and the beads, T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, thereby requiring a subsequent processing procedure for removing the trapped lubricant, which increases production time, thereby contributing to increased production costs. Therefore, as a tire, T, is slid across the wheel, W, for the purpose of joining the tire, T, to the wheel, W, the beads, T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, may be adequately lubricated with a minimal amount of lubricant as the beads, T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, wipe the lubricant across, for example, all of the circumference of the wheel, W, in order to facilitate lubricated mounting of the tire, T, upon the wheel, W. Therefore, as the beads, T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, wipe the lubricant across the wheel, W, the overlapping arrangement of neighboring trailing edges 350 a and leading edges 350 b of the oval patterns 350 results in the gaps between each oval pattern 350 about the circumference of the wheel, W, being lubricated during the tire-wheel lubricated mounting procedure. Further, it has been discovered that the diagonally-arrangement, θ, of the oval areas 350 provides an improved uniformity to the wiping of the lubricant across the wheel, W, when the beads, T_(BU), T_(BL), of the tire, T, wipe the lubricant across the wheel, W. In some examples, the angle, θ, defining the diagonal arrangement of the oval patterns 350 may be any angle between approximately 30° and approximately 45°.

The spray pattern 325 may be disposed about the circumference of the wheel, W, by, for example: (1) rotating the wheel, W, and spatially holding the applicator, S, in place, (2) spatially holding the wheel, W, in place and moving the applicator, S, about the circumference of the wheel, W, and (3) rotating the wheel, W, and spatially moving the applicator, S, about the circumference of the wheel, W, but in opposite directions.

In some instances, if the wheel, W, is rotated while being sprayed by the applicator, S, the amount of rotation of the wheel, W, may be determined by the number of applicators, S, if, for example, the entire circumference of the wheel, is to be sprayed with the lubricant. For example, if one applicator, S, is included, the wheel, W, may be rotated 360°. In another example, if two applicators, S, are included (and, if the applicators are arranged directly opposite each other), the wheel, W, may be rotated 180°.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, in some implementations, a lubricant supply system 1500 fluidly connected upstream of any of the lubrication conditioning systems 100, 100 c-100 d″″″ is operable to whip or agitate the lubricant, L, prior to dispensing the lubricant, L, to the lubrication conditioning system 100. As mentioned above, the lubricant, L, is generally in a substantially semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state of matter while cold at the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”), and thus, is not suitable for dispensing (e.g., pumping via a pump 1560) to the lubrication conditioning system 100. While the lubricant temperature modifier 158 shown in FIG. 12 can be used to lower the viscosity of the lubricant, L, by increasing the temperature thereof to enable dispensing of the lubricant, L, from the lubricant supply system 1500 to the lubrication conditioning system 100, pre-heating the lubricant, L, in this manner incurs increased costs due to energy expenditures required to pre-heat the lubricant, L, as well as the amount of time required to increase the temperature of the lubricant, L, to a temperature suitable for transporting (e.g., pumping) the lubricant, L, from the lubricant supply system 1500 to the lubricant conditioning system 100. For example, pre-heating the lubricant, L, at the lubricant supply system 1500 may cause the one or more of the other sub-stations 12-24, 12′-24′, 12″-24″ that form the tire-wheel assembly, TW, to sit idle until the lubricant, L, reaches a temperature suitable for being dispensed.

The lubricant supply system 1500 includes a container 1502 that stores a quantity of lubricant, L, that dispenses to the lubricant conditioning system 100. The container 1502 may include a metal drum containing the lubricant, L, from a supplier. For example, the container 1502 may include a 15 gallon cylindrical steel drum. To allow for the lubricant, L, to dispense from the container cold (e.g., “ambient temperature”), a whipping device 1510 inserts into the container 1502 to whip or blend the lubricant, L, such that the lubricant, L, is transformed from the substantially semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state into a whipped state which is less viscous than the pre-whipped state. The whipping device 1510 may include devices such as mechanical agitators, blenders, stirrers, or air bubblers sufficient for whipping or blending the lubricant, L, while stored in the container 1502. Referring to FIG. 18A, the whipping (a.k.a. agitating) device 1510 includes an impeller 1512 driven by a motor 1514 to whip or blend the cold lubricant, L, into the whipped state from the semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state. Here, the impeller 1512 may be connected to an end of a shaft 1516 inserted proximate to the bottom of the container 1502, while the motor 1514 connected to the other end of the shaft 1516 may drive the impeller 1512, thereby causing impeller 1512 in contact with the lubricant, L, to vigorously rotate in a manner that suitably whips or blends the lubricant, L, into the whipped state. In other configurations, the whipping device 1510 may include a shaking apparatus that supports and retains the container 1502 while being operable to undergo vibratory or shaking motions to whip, blend, or otherwise significantly agitate the lubricant, L, stored within the container 1502 such that the state of the lubricant, L, is transformed to the whipped state. Additionally or alternatively, the whipping device 1510 may include ultrasonic devices inserted into the container 1502 and configured to provide ultrasonic impulses through the lubricant, L, to whip or blend the lubricant, L, into the whipped state from the semi-solid state. The whipping device 1510 may be manually operated. Alternatively, the whipping device 1510 may be automated to insert into the container 1502 and whip the lubricant, L, into the whipped state when the container 1502 is received at the lubricant supply station 1500.

Upon whipping the lubricant, L, stored within the container 1502 into the whipped state, the viscosity of the cold lubricant, L, is lowered and suitable for dispensing from the container 1502 to the lubrication conditioning system 100. As mentioned above, the lubrication conditioning system 100 may heat the lubricant, L, from the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to the second temperature (e.g., a temperature greater than “ambient temperature”) to transform the lubricant, L, to a substantially liquid state more suitable for depositing (“e.g., spraying”) the lubricant, L, from a spray nozzle, S, upon one or more of the tire, T, and the wheel, W, at one or more of the of the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″, a tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. Accordingly, a portion of the pre-whipped lubricant, L, may be transported in batches, or continuously (such as by electrically pumping), directly from the container 1502 of the lubricant supply system 1500 to any of the lubricant reservoirs 102, 102 c-102 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning systems 100, 100 c-100 d″″″. In some implementations, the lubricant reservoir 102 defines a smaller volume for holding the lubricant, L, than a volume defined by the container 1502 at the lubricant supply system 1500. Accordingly, the lubrication conditioning system 100 may employ an appropriate lubricant temperature modifier (e.g., “heater”) 104 c, 104 d″″″ to change (e.g., increase) the temperature of the lubricant, L, from a first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature that is greater than “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”).

Referring to FIG. 18B, in some implementations, the lubricant supply system 1500 includes a pump 1560 configured to dispense a portion of the lubricant, L, in the whipped state from the container 1502 to the lubrication conditioning system 100 without pre-heating the lubricant, L. That is to say, blending or whipping the lubricant, L, with the whipping device 1510 to transform the lubricant, L, from the semi-solid state to the whipped state, allows the lubricant, L, to be pumped into the lubrication conditioning system cold (e.g., “ambient temperature”). The pump 1560 is associated with the lubricant supply conduit 154 (also shown in FIG. 12) which includes a first end inserted into the container 1502 and a second end fluidly coupled to the lubricant supply port 138 (also shown in FIG. 12) formed by the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning system 100 c-100 d″″″. During operation of the pump 1560, the portion of the lubricant, L, in the whipped state is pumped out of the container 1502 and dispensed or transported to the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″ via the lubricant supply conduit 154. In some implementations, the pump 1560 is a piston-type pump that includes a circumferential disc 1564 received within the container 1502 upon a top surface of the lubricant, L, that translates downward relative to the lubricant supply conduit 154 (and relative to the container 1502) to cause at least a portion of the lubricant, L, in the whipped state to flow into the lubricant supply conduit 154 and out of the container 1502 for dispensing to the lubricant reservoir 102 c-102 d″″″. In some examples, the pump 1560 includes a prime mover to cause the circumferential disc 1564 to translate relative to the lubricant supply conduit 154 for pumping the lubricant, L, out of the container 1502. In other examples, the pump 1560 includes an electrical motor electrically connected to an external power source or a battery to cause the circumferential disc 1564 to translate relative to the lubricant supply conduit 154 for pumping the lubricant, L, out of the container 1502. The circumferential disc 1564 may include a diameter that creates a fluid-tight seal with inner circumferential surfaces of the container 1502. In other configurations, the lubricant supply system 1500 may employ one or more other types of pumps other devices suitable for drawing the lubricant, L, out of the container 1502. The lubricant supply system 1500 may also include the lubrication amount detection device 160 of FIG. 12 that detects the amount of lubricant, L, stored within the container 1502.

FIG. 18B shows the lubricant reservoir 102, 102 c-102 d″″″ of the lubrication conditioning system 100, 100 c-100 d″″″ defining a smaller volume than the volume of the container 1502, and thus, the lubricant reservoir 102, 102 c-102 d″″″ contains a smaller quantity of lubricant, L, received from the container 1502 than the quantity of the lubricant, L, stored within the container 1502. Accordingly, the lubrication conditioning system 100, 100 c-100 d″″″ may employ the lubricant temperature modifier 104 c-104 d″″″ (e.g., “heater”) to change the temperature of the lubricant, L, within the lubricant reservoir 102, 102 c-102 d″″″ from the first temperature (e.g., “room temperature”/“ambient temperature”) to the second temperature (e.g., a temperature greater than “ambient temperature”). In some implementations, the fluid circuit 200 of FIG. 12 replaces the lubricant supply system 150 with the lubricant supply system 1500 that employs the whipping device 1510 to pre-whip or blend the lubricant, L, into the whipped state before the lubricant, L, is dispensed to the lubrication conditioning system 100.

Referring to FIG. 19, a schematic view 1900 shows lubricant supply system 1500 in fluid communication with the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the lubrication conditioning system 100 in fluid communication with the wheel lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16 a″ and/or the tire lubricating sub-station 16 b′, 16 b″. The lubricant supply system 1500 stores a quantity of lubricant, L, in a substantially semi-solid (e.g., “paste”) state within the storage container 1502 and inserts the whipping device 1510 into the container 1502, whereby the whipping device 1510 is controlled to pre-whip or blend the quantity of lubricant, L, into the whipped state from the substantially semi-solid state. Thereafter, the pump 1560 of the lubricant supply system 1500 pumps out a portion of the quantity of lubricant, L, cold (e.g., “ambient temperature”) out of the container 1502 and provides the lubricant, L, to the lubricant supply system 1500 via the lubricant supply conduit 154.

The lubrication conditioning system 100 may increase the temperature of the lubricant, L, from the first temperature to the second temperature using any of the aforementioned heating techniques. The fluid-moving device (e.g., a pump) 150 may be arranged between the lubrication conditioning system 100 and the lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16″, 16 b′, 16″ for drawing the now substantially liquefied lubricant, L, from the lubrication conditioning system 100 to the lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16″, 16 b′, 16″.

In some implementations, the fluid-moving device 150 dispenses the lubricant, L, from the applicator, S, of the lubricating sub-station 16 a, 16″, 16 b′, 16″. In some examples, the applicator, S, includes a spray nozzle operable to spray/mist the lubricant, L, upon the wheel, W, and/or the tire, T.

The present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example most embodiments shown herein depict engaging a wheel (by way of a robotic arm) and manipulating the wheel to mount a tire thereon. However, nothing herein shall be construed to limit the scope of the present invention to only manipulating a wheel to mount a tire thereon. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a processing station operable to process at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel to form a tire-wheel assembly, the processing station including at least one of a tire lubricating sub-station or a wheel lubricating sub-station; and a lubricant supply system in fluid communication with the processing station, the lubricant supply system comprising: a storage container configured to store a lubricant; an agitating device received by the storage container and operable to agitate the lubricant changing it from a semi-solid state to a less viscous state; and a pump operable to pump the lubricant in the less viscous state out of the storage container.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lubrication conditioning system in fluid communication with the lubricant supply system and the processing station, the lubrication conditioning system comprising: a lubricant reservoir operable to receive the lubricant in the whipped state from the storage container; a lubricant temperature modifier arranged proximate to the lubricant reservoir; a lubricant temperature sensor arranged within the lubricant reservoir and operable to measure a temperature of the lubricant received within the lubricant reservoir; and a controller operatively coupled to the lubricant temperature modifier and the lubricant temperature sensor, the controller operable to control the lubricant temperature modifier to change the temperature of the lubricant from a first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature based on the temperature of the lubricant measured by the lubricant temperature sensor.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pump of the lubricant supply system pumps the lubricant in the whipped state out of the storage container to the lubricant reservoir of the lubrication conditioning system when the lubricant is at the first temperature.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first temperature comprises an ambient temperature or a room temperature.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the lubricant reservoir defines a smaller volume than a volume defined by the storage container.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the lubrication conditioning system further comprises a lubricant moving device arranged within the lubricant reservoir and operatively coupled to the controller, the lubricant moving device configured to transport the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the processing system when the lubricant is substantially equal to the second temperature.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the whipping device comprises: an impeller attached to a first end of a shaft inserted into the storage container in contact with the lubricant; a motor attached to a second end of the shaft and mechanically coupled to the impeller, the motor configured to drive the impeller to cause whipping or blending of the lubricant.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the whipping device comprises a shaking apparatus configured to retain and support the storage container, the shaking apparatus operative to undergo vibratory or shaking motions to whip or blend the lubricant into the shipped state.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the whipping device comprises at least one of mechanical agitators, blenders, stirrers, ultrasonic devices, or air bubblers suitable for whipping or blending the lubricant into the whipped state.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump of the lubricant supply system comprises a piston-type pump driven by an engine or a motor.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage container comprises a cylindrical drum.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the pump of the lubricant supply system includes a circumferential disc received within the storage container upon a top surface of the lubricant, the circumferential disc operable to translate relative to the storage container to pump the lubricant out of the storage container via a lubricant supply conduit.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the circumferential disc includes a diameter operative to create a fluid-tight seal with inner circumferential surfaces of the storage container.
 14. A method for pre-whipping a lubricant, the method comprising: inserting a whipping device into a storage container containing a quantity of lubricant; controlling the whipping device to whip or blend the lubricant from a semi-solid state to a whipped state; pumping out a portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state from the storage container using a pump, the pump inserted into the storage container and in fluid communication with the quantity of lubricant; and providing the lubricant to a processing station operable to process at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel to form a tire-wheel assembly, the processing station including at least one of a tire lubricating sub-station or a wheel lubricating sub-station.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, prior to providing the lubricant to the processing station, providing the pumped out portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state to a lubricant reservoir, the lubricant reservoir operable to: increase the temperature of the lubricant from a first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature using a lubricant temperature modifier disposed within the lubricant reservoir; and provide the lubricant to the processing system.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein pumping out the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state comprises pumping out the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state from the storage container to the lubricant reservoir when the lubricant is at the first temperature.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the lubricant reservoir defines a smaller volume than a volume defined by the storage container.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the whipping device comprises: an impeller attached to a first end of a shaft inserted into the storage container in contact with the quantity of lubricant; and a motor attached to the second end of the shaft, the motor driving the impeller to cause whipping or blending of the lubricant.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the whipping device comprises at least one of mechanical agitators, blenders, stirrers, a shaking device, ultrasonic devices, or air bubblers suitable for whipping or blending the lubricant into the whipped state.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein pumping out the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state comprises translating a circumferential disc associated with the pump and inserted into the storage container on top of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state, the translating circumferential disc causing the portion of the quantity of lubricant in the whipped state to flow out of the storage container via a lubricant supply conduit. 